California · Business and Professions Code - BPC

BPC §17533.8: (a) It is unlawful for any person to offer, by mail, by telephone, in person, or by any other means or in any other form, including over the Internet, a prize or gift, with the intent to offer a sales

Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

It is unlawful to offer a prize or gift by any means with intent to solicit a sales presentation without clearly disclosing that intent at the time of offer. Media publishers broadcasting advertisements in good faith are exempt.

Read the full statutory text

(a) It is unlawful for any person to offer, by mail, by telephone, in person, or by any other means or in any other form, including over the Internet, a prize or gift, with the intent to offer a sales presentation, without disclosing at the time of the offer of the prize or gift, in a clear and unequivocal manner, the intent to offer that sales presentation. (b) This section shall not apply to the publisher of any newspaper, periodical, or other publication, or any radio or television broadcaster, or the owner or operator of any cable, satellite, or other medium of communications who broadcasts or publishes, including over the Internet, an advertisement or offer in good faith, without knowledge of its violation of subdivision (a).

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

Facing this? Know exactly what happens next.

MOFRD turns this code section into your situation: the deadlines that apply to you, the forms your county uses, and the resolution paths people in your position actually take. Free for 3 days — no card required.

Start your matter free Ask Law Link about this code

This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.