About Consumer Center for Resources
Consumer Center for Resources is a nonprofit that helps consumers understand their rights when a car dealer misleads them, a new vehicle turns out to be a lemon, or money is taken from their bank account without permission.
Our Mission
Buying a car is one of the biggest purchases most people make, and it is also one of the most confusing. Financing terms change after the sale, add-ons appear on the contract, accident history goes unmentioned, and new cars sometimes come with defects the dealer can't fix.
California has strong laws for these situations, including the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (the lemon law), the Consumers Legal Remedies Act, the Automobile Sales Finance Act, and, since October 1, 2026, the CARS Act. Most people never hear about them until it's too late. We exist to close that gap, and to do the same for bank customers protected by the federal Electronic Fund Transfer Act when money is taken from their accounts without permission: to explain these laws in plain language, free of charge, and to help people find out whether the law applies to them.
What We Do
Free guides
Plain-language explainers on California lemon law, dealer fraud (yo-yo financing, hidden damage, odometer fraud, the 3-day right to cancel), and unauthorized bank transfers. Each guide links to its legal sources.
Self-help tools
The lemon law checker walks you through the questions California law asks, so you can see where your situation stands before talking to anyone.
Free case review
If you think the law applies to you, tell us what happened. We review your request at no cost and, when it looks like you may have a claim, connect you with an attorney.
How the Free Case Review Works
- You send a request. Use any case review form on this site or call (818) 697-4295 (Mon–Thu 9am–4pm, Fri 9am–1pm PT).
- We review it. We look at the basics: the vehicle, the dealer or manufacturer, and what happened. You'll also get an email with educational resources that fit your situation.
- We may connect you with an attorney. If it looks like you may have a claim, we share your request with Consumer Action Law Group, an independent private consumer protection law firm in California. Its attorneys may contact you about your matter or refer you to another attorney who handles that type of case, such as some bank transfer (EFTA) disputes.
- You decide what to do. The review is free and you are never obligated to hire anyone.
Important disclosure
Consumer Center for Resources is a nonprofit consumer education organization. We are not a law firm and do not give legal advice or represent anyone. When you request a free case review, we may share what you send us with Consumer Action Law Group, an independent private consumer protection law firm in California. Its attorneys may contact you about your matter or refer you to another attorney who handles your type of case. Requesting a review does not create an attorney-client relationship, and you are never obligated to hire anyone.
This website provides general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every situation is different. Talk to a licensed attorney in your state about your specific facts.