Our mission is to serve consumers, businesses and communities through education, advocacy and complaint resolution to promote a fair and vibrant marketplace in Los Angeles County.

In our first year of operation, Shirley Goldinger was appointed as the Department’s first director. Our primary focus during these early years was to answer questions from consumers and investigate consumer complaints.

Currently, Rafael Carbajal serves as the fifth director in department history. He was appointed by the Board of Supervisors or January 5, 2021, after serving as acting director since August 2020.

Our Directors

• Shirley Goldinger, 1976-1991
• Pastor Herrera, Jr., 1991-2010
• Brian J. Stiger, 2012 – 2018
• Joseph M. Nicchitta, 2018-2020
• Rafael Carbajal, 2020-current

The Department’s resources and areas of assistance have greatly expanded over the past 40 years. In addition to assisting with general consumer complaints, the Department now helps Los Angeles County residents with issues involving real estate fraud, identity theft, elder financial abuse, Small Claims Court, mediation, foreclosure, small business development, and minimum wage enforcement. All of our services are free.

The Department has developed a close working relationship with many law enforcement, prosecuting, and legal aid agencies. Many of our investigations have led to criminal arrests or civil judgments.

The Department has made many improvements in recent years to improve our efficiency, meet the growing demand for our services and assist more consumers. With the help of the Internal Services Department, we created eComplaints, our new online consumer complaint intake and case management system. Under the leadership of Director Stiger, we created our first-ever Consumer Education and Public Outreach Unit to concentrate and streamline our efforts to educate consumers. We’ve also expanded our mediation program to include court-connected mediations which are conducted on-the-spot at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse.

In December 2013, the Department expanded its Homeowner Notification Program to include the Notice of Default and Notice of Sale. The expanded program allows us to help consumers facing foreclosure explore their options to retain their home and prevent them from being victimized by foreclosure consultants.

Our Department is often recognized for the positive impact of our programs. We have received local, state, and national awards throughout the years for delivering effective service and working efficiently to maximize our resources.