DFPI Shares Practical Steps for Your Family During National Consumer Protection Week

SACRAMENTO – As National Consumer Protection Week (March 1-7) draws to a close, the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) is reminding consumers of long-lasting, simple, effective steps they can take to protect themselves and their families from scams and fraud – and to promptly report suspicious activity. This reminder comes as DFPI and the California Attorney General’s Office partnered to shut down 48 scam websites in the past year – double the number taken down the year before. These actions were made possible because consumers quickly reported new scams to the DFPI.

“We are determined to help Californians keep their hard-earned money and not turn it over to scammers and con artists. That takes all of us – in government, private industry, consumers, and the public – working together to fight the fraud ecosystem,” said DFPI Commissioner KC Mohseni. The sooner you report fraud or scams, the more likely criminals and bad actors can be held accountable.”

Thanks to consumers promptly submitting complaints, the DFPI added 197 new scams to its nationally recognized Crypto Scam Tracker in 2025. This is a 30% increase from 2024. The California Attorney General’s Office used this information to shut down fraudulent websites, preventing Californians from losing millions of dollars.

“Scammers can use deception and emotional manipulation to take advantage of consumers up and down our state. As scammers grow increasingly sophisticated and calculated, so must our enforcement,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “During National Consumer Protection Week, and every week, I thank our state partners at the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation for their collaboration — especially with our work shutting down fake cryptocurrency websites. I urge Californians to be vigilant and protect their finances: If a deal or offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

Scammers target people of all ages, but the elderly may be particularly vulnerable. Talking to family members about technology and online safety can help prevent fraud.  While prompting reporting suspected scams is important, the DFPI is also encouraging Californians to review these six practical steps to protect themselves and loved ones:

1. Pause before clicking links: All too often, unsuspecting Californians click on a link in an email or text they have received, which turns out to be fraudulent. Visit the company website instead and use the links there, but be careful that you are not clicking on a spoofed site, which can look just like the real one. Another tip is to hover over the link, but don’t click it. This previews the URL and helps you avoid malicious websites.

2. Two for you: Using two-factor authentication (2FA) on email and online accounts may help prevent your information from getting into the wrong hands. It acts as a double lock as it requires two independent factors for verification, like a password and an answer to a question. An authenticator app and passkeys are other ways to secure your accounts.

3. Shop Securely: Before making an online purchase, check to see if the site is secure. Look for a padlock icon next to the URL and watch for misspellings or typos, which may indicate a fraudulent site.

4. Alert AI: AI can clone voices and potentially deceive relatives and friends. Establish a safe word or phrase that only your family uses as verification during calls, especially if the caller asks for money. Also, consider asking your phone company for a free spam filter to help identify scam calls.

5. Not so Social: Review the privacy settings on your apps to make sure your posts are private. Public posts can make it easier for scammers to target you. Don’t share sensitive information such as travel plans or addresses. Scammers can use this information to impersonate you.

6. Take Your Time: Many scammers will create a sense of urgency, urging you to act quickly, so you don’t recognize the red flags that you might normally see. Take your time. Think critically about what you’re being asked to do and ask a friend or trusted relative if it sounds too good to be true.

These simple steps may help prevent your family and friends from becoming victims of technology-enabled fraud. The DFPI wants to hear about your experiences with tech-enabled fraud. Please take part in our brief survey and share your input: https://bit.ly/DFPIConsumerSurvey.

If you have been a victim of a scam or fraud, or you learn about a scam that is currently not listed on the Crypto Scam Tracker, report it to the authorities and submit a complaint to us at dfpi.ca.gov/submit-a-complaint or call 1 (866) 275-2677.

About DFPI

The Department of Financial Protection and Innovation protects consumers, regulates financial services, and fosters responsible innovation. DFPI protects consumers by establishing and enforcing financial regulations that promote transparency and accountability. We empower all Californians to access a fair and equitable financial marketplace through education and by helping to prevent potential risks, fraud, and abuse. Learn more at dfpi.ca.gov.

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This media release is available on the DFPI website.

If you have questions, contact the DFPI Public Affairs office at DFPI.media@dfpi.ca.gov.