DA’s Consumer Protection Unit Receives Proclamation

On April 8, 2025 the County of San Diego Board of Supervisors recognized the San Diego District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Unit (CPU) for their outstanding work protecting the citizens of our county as well as consumers throughout the state. The CPU is a subdivision of the Economic Crimes and Consumer Protection Unit of the District Attorney’s Office. This unit is responsible for civil and criminal actions against businesses that practice unfair, deceptive and abusive practices harming consumers throughout the state. The unit was recognized for their excellence and commitment to the investigation and prosecution of violations of California’s Unfair Competition Law, False Advertising Law and other related consumer protection statues. Since its formation the team has brought justice through 230 major civil consumer protection judgments and more than 400 criminal consumer fraud convictions.

Recent successful cases include a $24.6 million judgment against Apple for failing to disclose software updates that slowed older iPhones with failing batteries to prevent software crashes, a $3.55 million judgment against Welk Resorts Inc. for misleading marketing and sales tactics in timeshare sales, a $3.96 million judgment against Vons/Albertsons over false advertising and overcharging customers, and an $18.8 million judgment against Time Warner Cable, including $16.9 million in direct consumer restitution, for misrepresenting internet services.

At the proclamation ceremony April 8, 2025 was declared Consumer Protection Day in San Diego County!