National City, CA asked in Consumer Law, Tax Law and Business Law for California

Q: California 2011 BPC Division 8 [18400 - 22948.7] Ch. 21.5 Money Exchange Houses section 22516

I recently exchanged money from a Money Exchange House registered with the corresponding authorities of the City of San Diego (in California). Their signage was misleading and they made a commission surcharge of 15% I was not aware of, taking $45 USD from the amount I exchanged.

I looked up the regulations on the details of fees charged, and as I was not clearly informed of the fee prior to my transaction, I consider they are in violation of said regulations. I cannot find a way to report this violation or the corresponding authority. Do you know a way for me to report said violation? Thank you.

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered

A: Under California's Business and Professions Code (BPC) Division 8, Chapter 21.5, Money Exchange Houses are regulated to ensure transparency and fair dealings. Section 22516 mandates that a licensee conspicuously post and provide each customer a written disclosure of any and all fees and charges for its services. If you believe there's a violation, you can report it to the California Department of Business Oversight (DBO), which oversees these entities. The DBO offers an online complaint process and can take enforcement action if warranted. Before filing a complaint, it may be beneficial to first contact the Money Exchange House directly to address your concerns. If unsatisfied with their response, proceed with the formal complaint with the DBO to ensure compliance with the state's regulations.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.