Consumer Protection

OAKLAND — California Attorney General Bonta today led a coalition of eight attorneys general in filing a motion for a temporary restraining order (TRO) to stop the merger of Tegna Inc. (Tegna) and Nexstar Media Group, Inc. (Nexstar), after the broadcasting giants received merger approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). On Wednesday night, Attorney General Bonta filed a lawsuit to block the merger, a deal that is expected to create the largest broadcast station group in the United States, put more broadcast programming in the hands of fewer people, cut local jobs, increase cable bills, and significantly impact the delivery of news and other media content to Americans nationwide.

“The federal government has an obligation to protect our economy, consumers' wallets, and competitive markets in which businesses and workers can thrive. With its approval of the disastrous Nexstar/Tegna broadcasting merger, the Trump Administration has once again put corporate interests ahead of the interests of everyday Americans — not on our watch,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Today, alongside a coalition of attorneys general, I’ve filed an emergency motion asking the court to stop this merger. This merger is illegal, plain and simple, running contrary to federal antitrust laws that protect consumers. Nexstar/Tegna is not a done deal. I will not let these corporate behemoths merge without a fight.”

If approved, this multibillion-dollar deal would combine the nation’s largest and third-largest television-station conglomerates, creating a titan covering 80% of U.S. television households. In California, the combined entity would own half of the Big Four (FOX, NBC, ABC, and CBS) network-affiliated stations in two areas: the local FOX and ABC stations in the Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto area and the local FOX and CBS stations in the San Diego area. Alarmingly, reports have already detailed Nexstar’s firing of long-standing journalists in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York.

The Trump Administration has shown states and consumers that it is more concerned with protecting corporate interests than in doing its job to defend the public and uphold consumer protection and antitrust laws that help make life more affordable for American families. Attorney General Bonta has responded by intervening, after the Trump Administration allegedly greenlit the Hewlett-Packard Enterprises/Juniper Networks merger not for the public interest, but to line the pockets of its friends. And he is continuing to fight for a better deal for consumers after U.S. DOJ settled days into the much-awaited Live Nation/Ticketmaster trial — an action promptly rejected by a bipartisan group of attorneys general.

Merger would create a media giant covering 80% of U.S. television households

OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today, alongside a coalition of eight attorneys general, filed a lawsuit to block the acquisition of Tegna Inc. (Tegna) by Nexstar Media Group, Inc. (Nexstar). Tegna and Nexstar are two major broadcast station companies that own and operate television stations throughout the country. If allowed to proceed, the deal would create the largest broadcast station group in the United States, putting more broadcast programming in the hands of fewer people, removing control from the communities they report to, cutting local jobs, and significantly impacting the delivery of news and other media content to Americans nationwide. Due to the considerable increase in consolidation, the deal is also expected to raise prices and harm consumers. In California, the combined entity would own half of the Big Four (FOX, NBC, ABC, and CBS) network-affiliated stations, including the local FOX and ABC stations in the Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto area and the local FOX and CBS stations in the San Diego area. Alarmingly, reports have already detailed Nexstar’s firing of long standing journalists in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York.

“Today, my office has filed a lawsuit to block the proposed merger of broadcasting giants Nexstar and Tegna. This merger would cause incredibly high levels of concentration in local TV markets and is expected to raise cable and satellite prices across the country, causing irreparable harm to local news and consumers who rely on their reporting as a critical source of information,” said Attorney General Bonta. “If approved, this multibillion-dollar deal would combine the nation’s largest and third-largest television-station conglomerates, creating a behemoth covering 80% of U.S. television households. This merger is illegal, plain and simple, running contrary to federal antitrust laws that protect consumers. When broadcast media is owned by a handful of companies, we get fewer voices, less competition, and communities lose the critical check on power that local journalism delivers.”

The lawsuit, filed today in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, alleges that the merger clearly violates Section 7 of the Clayton Act, which holds that mergers that substantially lessen competition or tend to create a monopoly are illegal. If the Nexstar/Tegna merger is allowed to proceed, local markets will immediately see a lessening of competition, including both the Sacramento and San Diego markets. 

In addition to the U.S. Department of Justice (U.S. DOJ), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) also has authority and responsibility to halt such a merger, as the $6.2 billion Nexstar/Tegna deal would violate an FCC rule which would prohibit this merger. However, on February 7, 2026, President Trump tweeted “Get that deal done!,” saying that the two companies should be allowed to merge in order to “Knock out the Fake News” from the “Fake News National TV Networks.” FCC Chairman Brendan Carr immediately responded on social media: “Let’s get it done." 

In filing today's lawsuit, Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of New York, Colorado, Illinois, Oregon, North Carolina, Connecticut, and Virginia.

The Trump Administration has shown states and consumers that it is more concerned with protecting corporate interests than doing its job to defend the public and uphold consumer protection and antitrust laws that help make life affordable for American families. Attorney General Bonta has responded by intervening when the Trump Administration allegedly greenlit the Hewlett-Packard Enterprises/Juniper Networks merger not for the public interest, but to line the pockets of its friends, and by continuing to fight for a better deal for consumers after U.S. DOJ settled days into the much-awaited Live Nation/Ticketmaster trial — an action promptly rejected by a bipartisan group of attorneys general.

Antitrust enforcement is an essential component of a healthy economy. Competitive marketplaces established through antitrust vigilance help consumers by ensuring fair prices for goods and services, an array of products to choose from, quality goods and services, and the steady introduction of innovative new products. As part of the Attorney General’s commitment to enforce antitrust laws, the California Department of Justice has launched an Antitrust Complaint Form for people to report anticompetitive conduct that potentially violates the antitrust laws.

Americans were hurt by the President’s illegal actions; they should not be hurt by a clunky refund process

OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined a coalition of 18 attorneys general in sending a letter calling on Congress to take legislative action regarding President Trump’s illegal tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to ensure businesses and consumers receive timely, automatic refunds. Tariffs under IEEPA were unlawfully imposed on imported goods, resulting in an estimated $166 billion paid by over 330,000 American businesses. In particular, small businesses and low-income households have been disproportionately burdened by the tariffs, which raised prices on groceries, clothing, household items, machinery and equipment. Last year, Attorney General Bonta and Governor Newsom filed a lawsuit challenging President Trump’s imposition of tariffs under IEEPA without the consent of Congress — tariffs that were last month declared illegal and struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court. Earlier this month, California joined a coalition of 24 states in filing a lawsuit challenging President Trump’s new attempt to impose tariffs using Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, an archaic, never-before-used law.

“American businesses and consumers who were forced to shoulder the cost of President Trump’s illegal tariffs deserve to be fully refunded — with interest and without jumping through endless hoops. Anything less is unacceptable,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Trump’s illegal tariffs caused harm to businesses and families across the country, further squeezing people already struggling with affordability, and exacerbating economic inequality. Today, we urge Congress to lead, do right by the American people, and swiftly take action to clean up Trump’s tariff mess and quickly and automatically refund businesses and consumers.”

BACKGROUND

Last year, President Trump imposed unlawful tariffs that made the affordability crisis worse for millions of Americans. In January 2026 alone, U.S. consumers paid as much as $12.6 billion in indirect illegal tariffs. The President’s destructive and unpredictable tariff regime sent shockwaves through financial markets, businesses, and consumers in every corner of the globe, including in California, the fourth-largest economy in the world and the country’s largest importer and second-largest exporter among the 50 states. The Administration’s tariffs imposed under IEEPA were projected to cost California’s economy $25 billion and result in the loss of over 64,000 jobs.

In today’s letter, Attorney General Bonta urges Congress to enact legislation that would require the Trump Administration to provide a timely refund, with interest, of all duties wrongfully levied under IEEPA. The Trump Administration has repeatedly pledged that, in the event the tariffs were found to be unlawful, claims would be returned and refunded with interest. Congress has a responsibility to guarantee that the Trump Administration abides by this commitment and extends relief to as many affected businesses and consumers as possible. A legislative solution is critical because the Administration continues to imply that a refund process may be delayed or require affected businesses and consumers to sue or file for refunds, which will disproportionately impact small businesses and individuals who may not have the resources to do so.  

In sending today’s letter, Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington. 

 Californians, check out these tips to find safe, free, and low-cost ways to file your taxes 

OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a consumer alert urging Californians to learn about free or low-cost tax filing options. As Tax Day approaches, many Californians may seek out assistance with filing their tax returns. Through the CalFile program, eligible California taxpayers can file their 2025 state taxes for free. 

“For Californians, Tax Day isn’t just a deadline, it is a reminder of how much hard work goes into every dollar earned and every dollar owed. What many Californians may not realize is that filing doesn’t have to come with additional costs. Too often, people pay for third-party tax preparation services without knowing they may qualify to file their taxes for free,” said Attorney General Bonta. “As Tax Day approaches, I encourage Californians to file early and explore trusted free or low-cost filing options. Before paying to file, take a moment to check if you qualify and keep more of your hard-earned money where it belongs — in your pocket.”

Franchise Tax Board’s (FTB) CalFile is California's free e-filing service for state tax returns. The CalFile program allows eligible taxpayers to file state tax returns quickly, securely, and free of charge. By removing barriers to filing, this program may allow consumers to get tax refunds and claim critical tax benefits like California’s Earned Income Tax Credit and Young Child Tax Credit.

MORE TAX PREPARATION RESOURCES:

• Code for America Tax File is a free tax filing service that offers virtual tax filing service that helps qualified individuals and families file their taxes online, maximize refunds, and access essential tax credits.
• The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program provides free tax help to people who make $64,000 or less annually, persons with disabilities, and people who do not understand English well.
• The Tax Counseling for the Elderly program offers free tax help for all taxpayers, particularly those over 60, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues. 
• More Cash in your Pocket: You may qualify for cash back or a reduction of the tax you owe under the Earned Income Tax Credit and the California Earned Income Tax Credit programs.
• Need more time to prepare? You can electronically request an automatic tax-filing extension, regardless of your income. You will then have until October 15 to file a return. More information on how to request an extension can be found on the IRS website.
• Find a Reputable Tax Preparer: If you decide to hire a tax preparer, make sure your tax preparer is reputable and qualified to provide tax services. In California, only an attorney, certified public accountant (CPA), IRS-enrolled agent, or registered-tax preparer can prepare tax returns for a fee. You can verify a CPA’s license with the California Board of Accountancy. You can also confirm whether a tax preparer is registered with the IRS.  

If you believe you have been the victim of a tax-related scam or other misconduct, you can file a complaint with our office at oag.ca.gov/report or with the IRS.

To learn about how to protect yourself and your loved ones against fraud, visit our website at oag.ca.gov/consumers/general/taxes.

OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Governor Gavin Newsom today, along with a coalition of 22 attorneys general and the states of Kentucky and Pennsylvania, announced a new lawsuit challenging President Trump’s imposition of global tariffs using Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. The lawsuit, to be filed today in the Court of International Trade, argues that the President’s use of Section 122 to impose tariffs is illegal because the President’s justifications for its use do not fall within the limited circumstances required by the statute. Attorney General Bonta and Governor Newsom previously challenged the President’s imposition of tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA). And last month, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Trump’s imposition of tariffs under IEEPA, declaring them illegal.

“American consumers and business owners have made it clear they do not want tariffs, yet President Trump has tried over and over again to implement them. This time, the President is attempting to use an obscure law as a tool for his tariffs, and is yet again, going about it illegally,” said Attorney General Bonta. “This is not new terrain for California, but it is exasperating. Why is President Trump — who ran on the promise of making life more affordable for families — breaking the law to raise the cost of living for Americans? California has challenged the illegal imposition of tariffs time and time again because this question matters enormously for Californians who are already struggling with rising costs. For the 60th time since he took office, we’ll see the President in court."  

“These tariffs are nothing more than a tax on working families — shifting the burden of Trump’s failed trade negotiations onto folks who are already struggling to make ends meet. Trump keeps throwing out illegal, reckless policies, hoping something sticks, while everyday Americans pay the price," said Governor Gavin Newsom. "Trump’s tariffs were overturned by the Supreme Court, so now he’s inflicting new tariffs on Californians and all Americans like a toddler throwing a temper tantrum. Chaos is not leadership. And we deserve better.” 

BACKGROUND 

The President’s regime of unlawful tariffs has made the affordability crisis worse for millions of Americans and has sent shockwaves through financial markets, businesses, and consumers in every corner of the globe — including in California, which is the fourth-largest economy in the world and the country’s largest importer and second-largest exporter among the 50 states. A recent Yale report found that the tariffs led to the average family losing $1,751 dollars last year. 

On February 20, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled that the tariffs President Trump imposed under IEEPA were unlawful. That same day, the President issued a proclamation claiming authority under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to impose a 10% tariff on most products and countries worldwide. The next day, President Trump announced he would be raising these these tariffs to 15%. Tariffs under this statute cannot exceed 15% and are limited to 150 days, after which the President must seek congressional approval.

Section 122 Tariffs 

Section 122 authorizes the President to impose tariffs under a very specific set of circumstances, namely when fundamental international payments problems require special import measures to restrict imports. Section 122 tariffs are allowed only when such fundamental payment problems require special measures under three conditions: (1) to deal with large and serious balance-of-payments deficits, (2) to prevent an imminent and significant depreciation of the dollar, or (3) to cooperate with other countries in correcting international financial disequilibrium. 

President Trump justifies invoking Section 122 on four grounds including (1) ongoing trade deficits, (2) negative primary income balance, (3) decline in the net international-investment position of the United States, and (4) persistent deficit of the balance on secondary income. Not a single one of the four justifications offered by the President are circumstances where Section 122 tariffs would be legal and appropriate.

Additionally, Section 122 requires tariffs be applied in a nondiscriminatory manner among countries and uniformly across products. Because the Proclamation exempts many goods from Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, and other countries, it violates the Section 122 requirement that the tariffs be applied consistently with the principle of nondiscriminatory treatment. Because the Proclamation also includes 84 pages of product exceptions, it also violates the requirement that the tariffs be applied uniformly across products. The lawsuit also includes a claim against U.S. Customs and Border Protection arguing that the agency guidance announcing its implementation of the President’s Proclamation is illegal under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA).

The case is led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Also joining the lawsuit are the attorneys general of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and the Governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania. 

California has worked to challenge the President’s illegal tariffs on all fronts. Last year, Attorney General Bonta and Governor Newsom filed a lawsuit challenging President Trump’s unlawful use of power to impose tariffs without the consent of Congress. Attorney General Bonta has filed an amicus brief in the Court of International Trade in Oregon v. Trump as well as in the D.C. Circuit in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, cases challenging President Trump’s illegal imposition of tariffs, and filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court in Learning Resources Inc. v. Trump. In addition, he has hosted roundtable discussions in San Francisco and Los Angeles with business leaders on the front lines of the tariff war to discuss the impacts of tariffs on industries across California.

REDDING — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today, in partnership with Shasta County District Attorney Stephanie Bridgett, announced a settlement with a Redding property management company, Property Upsurge, and its property-owning affiliates. The settlement resolves allegations that Property Upsurge, which manages approximately 1,300 rental units across Northern California, improperly issued eviction notices, imposed rent increases above what state law allows, and charged higher rents to tenants using Section 8 vouchers, among other egregious conduct in violation of California law. As part of the settlement, Property Upsurge must pay $550,000 to tenants and provide an additional $200,000 in debt relief, pay $50,000 in civil penalties, and take specific actions to ensure compliance with injunctive terms. 

“Forcing families out of their homes, charging illegal rent, and targeting vulnerable tenants is not just unjust, it's unlawful,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Every Californian, in every corner of our state, deserves housing that is safe, stable, and reliable. Today’s settlement and my office’s tenant protection work proves that if landlords or property managers, no matter how small or large, violate tenant protections laws, my office will come knocking. I thank the Shasta County District Attorney’s Office, Legal Services of Northern California, and City of Redding’s Code Enforcement Division for their assistance with this investigation.”

“This resolution reflects our strong partnership with state and local agencies and our commitment to protecting residents of Shasta County,” said Shasta County District Attorney Stephanie A. Bridgett. “We will continue working to address unlawful business practices and help ensure tenants are treated fairly under the law.”

In 2023, the California Department of Justice (DOJ) launched an investigation into Property Upsurge, in partnership with the Shasta County District Attorney’s Office. The investigation revealed that Property Upsurge, which is a major property owner and management company in Redding’s lower-to mid-cost rental market, had violated the California Tenant Protection Act, California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act, state tenant protection laws governing habitability and liquidated damages, and California’s Unfair Competition Law. Violations included issuing pretextual eviction notices, imposing rent increases above what state law allows, charging fees without engaging in the required liquidated-damages analysis, engaging in localized habitability violations, and charging higher rents to tenants using Section 8 vouchers, in violation of California's civil rights laws.

Under today’s settlement, which is subject to court approval, Property Upsurge is required to:

• Pay $550,000 to tenant victims, provide an additional $200,000 in debt relief, and pay $50,000 in civil penalties, which will be split between the state and Shasta County and used for the enforcement of consumer protection laws.
• Comply with the Tenant Protection Act’s substantial-remodel eviction process requirements.
• Design and implement new policies and procedures for tracking and reviewing rent increases to ensure that they are in line with state law, and train employees on these changes.
• Complete an annual compliance audit covering all rent increases for the next three years.
• Cease charging three-day notice fees entirely, engage an expert to conduct an analysis to support any late fees charged by the company, and limit those fees to the actual costs resulting from late payments of rent.
• Respond to all tenant complaints within a reasonable time, not to exceed three business days, and as immediately as possible for conditions affecting life, safety, health, and immediate well-being of residents.
• Report code enforcement citations and information on tenant complaints to DOJ and the District Attorney. 
• Rent units at the same rate regardless of whether tenants pay with government vouchers.

Attorney General Bonta is committed to protecting the rights of tenants across California. Last year, Attorney General Bonta and nine other attorneys general, announced a $7 million settlement with Greystar Management Services LLC to prevent the use of software that uses sensitive information to align rent prices. He also secured a $495,000 settlement with Mission Rock Residential California, Inc. resolving allegations that the company had raised rent for 140 families in excess of the Tenant Protection Act’s rent cap.

Members of the public are encouraged to visit DOJ’s Housing Portal and HCD’s website for more resources and information aimed at supporting access to housing. If you believe your landlord has violated the law, you can file a report online at www.oag.ca.gov/report. Tenants who need legal help are encouraged to visit www.lawhelpca.org to find legal aid resources in their communities.

OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued the following statement regarding the firing of Gail Slater, head of the U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division, an action that continues the Trump Administration’s relentless attacks on the federal watchdogs responsible for keeping life affordable for Americans:

“From President Trump’s efforts to dismantle the CFPB, to instituting tariffs that have raised prices on nearly everything, and now, firing the head of the federal DOJ’s antitrust office tasked with protecting fairness in the marketplace, it’s abundantly clear: The Trump Administration is more concerned with protecting corporate interests than making life affordable for American families. While our billionaire President may dismiss 'affordability' as a hoax, people across the nation are being forced to pay increasingly higher bills with increasingly emptier wallets. Allowing big corporations to raise prices and push competitors out of the marketplace with impunity will only worsen this crisis. While the federal government has abdicated its responsibility to look out for people’s economic wellbeing — in California, we never will. My office has led the nation in consumer protection and antitrust work for decades, and we will continue to do so. While President Trump is abandoning the economy that everyday Americans experience, we are standing up to tackle America's affordability crisis.”

Antitrust enforcement is an essential component of a healthy economy. Competitive marketplaces established through antitrust vigilance help consumers by ensuring fair prices for goods and services, an array of products to choose from, quality goods and services, and the steady introduction of innovative new products. As part of the Attorney General’s commitment to enforce antitrust laws, the California Department of Justice has launched an Antitrust Complaint Form for people to report anticompetitive conduct that potentially violates the antitrust laws.

Second enforcement action stemming from 2024 investigative sweep of streaming services 

OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced a settlement with the Walt Disney Company (Disney), resolving allegations that the company violated the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) by failing to fully effectuate consumers’ requests to opt-out of the sale or sharing of their data across all devices and streaming services associated with consumers' Disney accounts. Under today’s settlement, Disney must pay $2.75 million in civil penalties and must implement opt-out methods that fully stop Disney’s sale or sharing of consumers’ personal information. 

“Consumers shouldn’t have to go to infinity and beyond to assert their privacy rights. Today, my office secured the largest settlement to date under the CCPA over Disney's failure to stop selling and sharing the data of consumers that explicitly asked it to,” said Attorney General Bonta. “California’s nation-leading privacy law is clear: A consumer’s opt-out right applies wherever and however a business sells data — businesses can’t force people to go device-by-device or service-by-service. In California, asking a business to stop selling your data should not be complicated or cumbersome. My office is committed to the continued enforcement of this critical privacy law.”

The California Department of Justice’s investigation into Disney stems from a January 2024 investigative sweep of streaming services for potential CCPA violations. Effective opt-out is one of the bare necessities of complying with CCPA. The investigation found that Disney’s opt-out processes did not allow a consumer — even when logged into their account — to completely opt-out of and stop all sale or sharing of their data, in violation of the CCPA. Specifically, the investigation found that each of the methods Disney provided had key gaps that allowed Disney to continue to sell and share consumers’ data, including: 

Opt-Out Toggles: If a user requested to opt-out of the sale or sharing of their data via an opt-out toggle in Disney’s websites and apps, Disney only applied the request to the specific streaming service the user was watching, and often only the specific device the consumer was using. This meant that in most instances, using the toggle would not stop selling or sharing from other devices or services connected to the consumer’s account.

Webform: If a user opted out using Disney’s webform, Disney only stopped the sharing of personal data through the company’s own advertising platform and offerings. However, Disney continued to sell and share consumer data with specific third-party ad-tech companies whose code Disney embedded in its websites and apps. Disney also failed to provide an in-app, opt-out method in many of its connected TV streaming apps, instead directing consumers to its webform, effectively leaving consumers with no way to stop Disney’s selling and sharing from these apps.

The Global Privacy Control: For consumers who opted out via the Global Privacy Control (GPC), Disney limited the request to the specific device the consumer was using, even when the consumer was logged into their account. The GPC is an easy-to-use ‘stop selling or sharing my data switch’ that is available on some internet browsers or as a browser extension. 

The California Consumer Protection Act

The CCPA has opened up a whole new world of privacy protection and increased privacy rights for California consumers, such as the right to know how businesses collect, share, and disclose their personal information. The CCPA vests California consumers with control over the personal information that businesses collect about them, including the right to request that businesses stop selling or sharing their personal information. To learn more about opting out, please see here.

Attorney General Bonta is committed to the robust enforcement of California’s nation-leading privacy law. Today’s settlement represents the seventh enforcement action under the CCPA. Attorney General Bonta has also announced settlements with Sephora and DoorDash as well as mobile app gaming company, Jam City; streaming service, Sling TV; website publisher, Healthline.com; and entertainment company, Tilting Point Media. In order to monitor the businesses’ compliance with the CCPA, Attorney General Bonta has conducted investigative sweeps related to location data, streaming apps and devices, employee information, and surveillance pricing.

For more information about the CCPA, visit oag.ca.gov/ccpa. To report a violation of the CCPA to the Attorney General, consumers can submit a complaint online at oag.ca.gov/report.

SACRAMENTO — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued the following statement in response to Governor Gavin Newsom signing into law Senate Bill 694 (SB 694), critical legislation sponsored by the Attorney General to protect veterans from claim sharks. Attorney General Bonta has been steadfast in getting legislation passed to shield veterans from financial exploitation. In 2024, he sponsored Senate Bill 1124, a previous iteration of this bill. SB 694, authored by Senator Bob Archuleta (D-Pico Rivera), Senator Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside), and Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo (D-Santa Clarita), underscores that it is unlawful for claim sharks to obtain unauthorized access to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) claims system using a veteran's login information, and prohibits the charging of fees that exceed what a VA-accredited attorney or claims agent can legally charge to represent a veteran with a benefits claim. California and its counties have led the way in ensuring that California veterans and their families have access to multiple options for free assistance with initial benefits claims. 

“Today, I am proud to stand with a coalition of veterans organizations in celebration of the signing of SB 694, legislation that continues our commitment to vigorously protect those who have sacrificed so much to protect us," said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Claim sharks pose a financial risk to veterans who need help with their benefits claims. SB 694 will degrade and deter the ability of these predatory individuals or companies to exploit veterans seeking help accessing their benefits. I thank Senators Archuleta and Cervantes, and Assemblywoman Schiavo, for authoring this legislation and Governor Newsom for signing it into law and making it clear: If you want to charge veterans for help with their benefits claims, you must be accredited by the VA."

"It is an honor to stand alongside Attorney General Rob Bonta, my Assembly counterpart as Chairs of the Military and Veterans Affairs Committees, and all those who supported us in protecting our veterans, who have already given up so much in service to their country," said Senator Bob Archuleta. "With the signing of SB 694, California makes it clear that it will not stand for the abuse and exploitation of its veterans. Most importantly, it reaffirms our commitment to upholding the rule of law.”

“As Chair of the Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, in partnership with the Attorney General, veterans, and so many more, we fought to protect disabled veterans from illegal fees charged by predatory claims sharks," said Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo. " Veterans who earned their disability benefits through service and great sacrifice deserve every penny, and with the Governor’s signature of SB 694, the Attorney General will be able to take action to protect our veterans and hold these greedy predatory corporations accountable.” 

Claims sharks are individuals and organizations that are not accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and charge veterans for representation or other services in connection with their benefits claims, often promising a faster claims process or guaranteed benefit increases. While some unaccredited individuals and organizations are well-intentioned, many are predatory and charge exorbitant fees for subpar or worthless services and operate outside of the VA accreditation system and the oversight, fee caps, and other consumer protections that it provides to veterans. 

California veterans who need assistance with filing an initial claim for benefits can receive assistance at no charge from their county veteran service office, working in partnership with the California Department of Veterans Affairs, an accredited veteran's organization, or from another VA accredited representative. Attorneys and claims agents with current VA accreditation can also represent veterans before the VA and assist with benefit claims. VA-accredited agents must pass a certification exam that tests their knowledge, have to pass a background check, and complete ongoing training. The fees that VA-accredited attorneys and agents can charge are capped by law, and they are subject to discipline — including revocation of their accreditation — if they don’t represent their clients competently and in accordance with the law.  

Specifically, SB 694 will:

• Prohibit any person from being paid for work related to the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of any claim for federal veterans’ benefits unless they are accredited by the VA as an attorney or claims agent.
• Make it a crime for claim sharks to access VA computer systems using a veteran’s login information.
• Make it illegal for any person to charge a fee for assistance with a veteran’s benefits claim that exceeds the fee that could be lawfully charged by a VA-accredited attorney or claims agent for those services. 

If you see hawking — or suspicious ticket reselling — be a patriot and submit a complaint

OAKLAND — Ahead of Super Bowl LX, taking place in Santa Clara, California, California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a consumer alert warning football fans of counterfeit Super Bowl tickets and scammers. In today’s alert, Attorney General Bonta reminds Californians to exercise caution in their online transactions and provides tips to avoid falling victim to ticket scams. 

“We all enjoy going to live shows and games to see our favorite artists or sports teams, but unfortunately scammers prey on our excitement,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Today I remind Californians: If you see hawking — or suspicious ticket reselling — protect yourself by following the tips we provide. If you have fallen victim to a scam or suspect fraudulent activity, be a patriot and submit a complaint. You can file a report with my office at oag.ca.gov/report as well as the Better Business Bureau and the FBI’s Internet Complaint Center.” 

Protect Yourself from Ticket Scams: 

• Purchase tickets from authorized vendors: When possible, always purchase your tickets directly from official websites to confirm the ticket's authenticity.
• Know the refund policy: Before purchasing third-party resale tickets, look into the reseller’s refund policy and whether they offer a guarantee regarding the authenticity and timely arrival of the tickets.
• Protect your personal information: Never provide personal information, such as your Social Security number or bank account number to prevent financial loss and fraud.
• Verify the web address safety: Double-check the website URL by ensuring the link starts with “https://” and has a padlock icon to ensure your credit card and billing information remain safe.
• Do your research: Search for online reviews regarding the seller and any potential customer complaints for prior scams.
• Use secure payment methods: Consider using your credit card to ensure that you have an opportunity to dispute fraudulent charges. Avoid using instant payment platforms like Zelle, Venmo, and Cash App, or you could risk never getting your money back. Do not pay for tickets with gift cards, prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Demands for payment using those methods are a strong warning sign of a scam.
• Be wary of overly discounted tickets: Be extra cautious with low-priced and/or hard-to-get tickets. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. 

If consumers have fallen victim to a ticket scam, they can file a complaint with our office at oag.ca.gov/report. Consumers can also report the incident to the Better Business Bureau and the FBI’s Internet Complaint Center.