Several statutes exist that help consumers get protection against false statements and schemes by companies that supply goods or services. There are a wide variety of these statutes with subtle details that may affect your case.

For example, the Consumer Legal Remedies Act [Civil Code, §§1770, et seq.] includes an attorney fee provision, additional statutory penalties in some circumstances, and liability based on specified prohibited conduct without a requirement of showing lack of diligence by defendant.

The Fair Employment and Housing Act [Gov’t Code, §§12940, et seq.] is primarily used by employees who have suffered some form of discrimination but it also applies to tenants. This statute gives special rules on where the lawsuit may be filed and how to hold the employer responsible for the misconduct of other employees and supervisors, as well as allowing recovery of attorneys fees.

The Unfair Competition Act [Bus. & Prof. Code, §§17200, et seq.] is often called the poor man’s class action statute. It allows a plaintiff to seek restitution from the defendant of money that the defendant improperly received from other persons who are not listed as plaintiffs in the case. It also makes any transaction that is unfair or illegal, a basis for recovery under the act, and it allows attorneys fees under some circumstances.

The Unruh Civil Rights Act [Civil Code, §§47, et seq.] prohibits discrimination by teachers, landlords, doctors, realtors and others, and includes new statutory theories of liability, additional liability for employees and supervisors, and the recovery of attorneys fees.

The Elder and Dependant Adult Act [Welfare & Institutions Code, §§15610, et seq.] prohibits conduct of persons having responsibility for elder or dependent adults. Recovery of damages is permitted for financial abuse, physical abuse, neglect, abduction, etc.. Recovery under the Act includes attorneys fees, additional damages and penalties.

The California Department of Consumer Affairs has many helpful tips for consumers and has recently published "Five Hot California Consumer Issues" warning about several rip-offs facing consumers and giving suggestions on how to deal with them.