(

a) A person aggrieved by a violation of

Section may bring a civil action for damages, rescission, injunctive relief, or any other civil or equitable remedy. Operation of an unlicensed adoption agency, as referenced in paragraph (6) of subdivision (

a) of

Section 1503.5 of the Health and Safety Code, shall be

an act of unfair competition and an unfair business practice within the meaning of

Chapter 5 (commencing with

Section 17200) of Part of Division of the Business and Professions Code. (

b) If the court finds that a person has violated

Section 8609, it shall award actual damages plus an amount equal to treble the amount of the actual damages or two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) per violation, whichever is greater. (

c) In a civil action under this section, a prevailing party may recover reasonable attorney’s fees and costs. (

d) The Attorney General, a district attorney, or a city attorney may bring a civil action for injunctive relief, restitution, or other equitable relief against an unlicensed adoption agency as referenced in paragraph (6) of subdivision (

a) of

Section 1503.5 of the Health and Safety Code pursuant to this

section in the name of the people of the State of California. (

e) Any other interested person who, based upon information or belief, claims a violation of

Section has been committed may bring a civil action for injunctive relief on behalf of the general public. This

section authorizes a referral by the department to the appropriate law enforcement entities consistent with these provisions.