Alameda County District Attorney Nancy E. O’Malley, along with 38 other California District Attorneys and two City Attorneys, announced that Monterey County Superior Court has ordered Delaware-based retailer Ross Stores, Inc. (Ross) to pay $3.335 million as part of a settlement of a civil environmental prosecution.

“It is vital that any company doing business in California abide by our environmental protection laws. My office remains dedicated to prosecuting violations of these laws in our ongoing effort to safeguard our natural resources from irreparable harm due to improper disposal of hazardous waste,” states DA O’Malley.

The judgment is the culmination of a civil enforcement action filed on November 20, 2020 in Monterey County and led by the District Attorneys of Alameda, Monterey, San Joaquin, Yolo and Riverside counties, claiming that more than 441 Ross and dd’s Discount Stores throughout the state unlawfully handled and disposed of various hazardous wastes and materials over a seven year period. Those hazardous wastes and materials included electronic waste, cosmetics, batteries, mercury lamps, personal care products, aerosol spray cans and other toxic and ignitable materials.
As we move into the holidays, the DA’s office reminds consumers to stay cautious while shopping online. Scammers are taking advantage of the increase in online shopping due to the coronavirus pandemic to target shoppers.

Some helpful tips to keep you safe include:

  • Avoid unfamiliar websites and emails that offer deals that appear “too good to be true”. These may be attempts to steal financial information when it comes time for payment.

  • Check the “contact us” section of an online retailer to verify information like a phone number or email address where you can contact a person. Retailers with no contact information listed at all are most likely scams.

  • To further verify the legitimacy of a seller, check out online review databases, such as Yelp, or consult the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org).

  • Be cautious of emails claiming to contain pictures in attached files, as the files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders. Scan all attachments for viruses if possible.

  • Beware of purchases or services that require payment to be made only via gift card. Similar to cash, once used you most likely cannot get your money back. Gift cards are gifts, NOT payments.

  • Do not give out personal information through unsolicited emails.

  • If you click an ad through a social media platform, check that the website is legitimate before providing financial or personal information.

  • Make purchases from your home or cellular network, not on public Wi-Fi where payments could be intercepted.

  • Check credit card statements routinely. If possible, set up credit card transaction auto alerts.
To report an apparent suspected scam or fraudulent claim please email the DA’s Consumer Protection Division at askcepd-da@acgov.org
As the region faces another stay-at-home order, the DA’s office is here to help children and teens who suffer abuse at home.

Alameda County residents can contact the Alameda County Family Justice center by calling 510-267-8800 from 8:30AM-5PM to speak with a Client Navigator. The facility remains open to serve those in need at 470 27th Street in Oakland.
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Alameda County Family Justice Center
(510) 267-8800
470 27th St. Oakland
QUICK LINKS
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Alameda County DA's Office website: View up-to-date news and information about the office at our website.

Alameda County Family Justice Center (ACFJC) website: The ACFJC is a 1-stop location that provides victims of crime with legal, health, and support services, and the opportunity for physical and psychological safety, recovery and well-being.