Resources
If you or someone you love has been targeted by a scam or financial exploitation, help is available. This page brings together the official reporting channels in California, common scams to watch for, and prevention guidance you can share.
If You Think You've Been Scammed
- 01Stop all contact and payments. Do not send additional money, gift cards, or wire transfers. Do not click links or share more personal information.
- 02Contact your bank or credit-card company immediately. They may be able to reverse a transaction, freeze the account, or issue a new card.
- 03Report to California Adult Protective Services (APS) if the person affected is 60 or older, or a dependent adult. Call the 24-hour hotline at 1-833-401-0832 and enter your ZIP code to reach your county APS office.
- 04File a report with law enforcement. Call your local police non-emergency line, or 911 if there is an immediate safety concern.
- 05Save everything. Keep emails, texts, receipts, screenshots, and phone numbers. They will help investigators.
Where to Report Elder Financial Exploitation
You may report to more than one agency. Reports help protect others even when a specific loss cannot be recovered.
California Adult Protective Services (APS)
For anyone 60+ or a dependent adult experiencing abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. Reports are confidential.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Report fraud, scams, and identity theft. The FTC uses reports to build cases and warn the public.
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
For scams involving the internet: phishing, romance scams, tech-support fraud, cryptocurrency fraud, and more.
California Department of Justice
The California Attorney General's office investigates consumer fraud, elder abuse, and identity theft affecting California residents.
Local Law Enforcement
Contact your local police or sheriff's department non-emergency line to file a report. Call 911 in an emergency.
Your Bank or Financial Institution
Banks are required to report suspected elder financial exploitation and can help freeze accounts, reverse transfers, and file Suspicious Activity Reports.
Common Scams Targeting Older Adults
Government or Utility Impersonation
Callers pretend to be from the IRS, Social Security, Medicare, or a utility company demanding immediate payment. Real agencies do not demand payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.
"Grandchild in Trouble"
A caller claims a grandchild has been in an accident, arrested, or kidnapped and needs money urgently. Verify by calling the family member directly at a known number before sending anything.
Online Romance Fraud
A new online acquaintance builds trust over weeks or months, then requests money for a supposed emergency or investment. If they refuse to meet in person or by video call, that is a red flag.
Fake Tech Support
A pop-up or phone call claims your computer is infected and asks for remote access or payment. Legitimate companies do not proactively call to fix your device.
Investment & Cryptocurrency Fraud
Promises of guaranteed high returns, often through cryptocurrency platforms or "private" opportunities. Legitimate investments never guarantee returns.
Lottery & Sweepstakes Scams
You're told you've won a prize but must pay a fee or taxes to claim it. Legitimate sweepstakes never require an up-front payment to receive winnings.
Prevention Tips
- Do not send money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency to anyone you have not met in person.
- Hang up on unexpected calls asking for personal information or urgent payment. Call the agency back at a number you look up yourself.
- Set up trusted-contact and transaction alerts with your bank so a second person can be notified of unusual activity.
- Sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry and use call-screening tools to reduce scam calls.
- Shred financial documents before discarding them, and freeze your credit at all three bureaus.
- Talk openly with family members about scams — awareness is the strongest protection.