October 2025

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Avoid getting caught in a web of scams and fraud

Use our six layers of protection guide to stay safe.

Events

Explore a new topic each month in our consumer financial education webinars and attend in-person community events in your local region.

Student Loan Updates: What You Need to Know

Nov. 6: 12 - 1 p.m.

Our Student Loan Servicing Ombudsperson, Celina Damian, will provide updates on federal student loans, including the impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill on repayment plans, Parent Plus Loans, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), and changes in federal student loan limits.

Protect Yourself from Holiday Scams

Nov. 12: 12 – 1 p.m.

Don't let scammers ruin your holidays! Learn how to stay safe and secure during the holiday season with information on the most common charity, shopping, payment, and online scams.

Upcoming Community Events

Nov. 7: Senior Scam Stopper w/Asm. Tri Ta (AD70) | Garden Grove
Nov. 8: Protect Yourself from Fraud and Scams Workshop | San Diego
Nov. 14: Senior Scam Stopper w/Asm. Celeste Rodriguez (AD43) | Pacoima

DFPI News & Updates

DFPI Receives Award for Best Government Website – We continue to improve our website, so we can help you. We’re so proud to receive a Silver Award for Best Government Website at the 20th Annual w3 Awards.

Legislation Updates – Governor Newsom recently signed several significant consumer protection-related bills into law, including:

SB 362 – Helps ensure small business owners are given accurate information from financiers.

SB 610 – Expands disaster mortgage relief.

SB 822 – California became the first state in the country to add digital assets to be considered unclaimed property.

SB 825 – Strengthens DFPI’s authority against bad actors.

Youth Banking Report – The San Francisco Office of Financial Empowerment published its 2025 Youth Banking Report developed in collaboration with young leaders from CalMoneySmart grantee MyPath. The report shows how communities and banks can help young people manage their own bank accounts.

Consumer Alerts & Enforcement Actions

Safeguard Metals Enforcement Action – We announced an enforcement action against California-based Safeguard Metals and its owner, Jeffrey Santulan, for coercing elderly people to use their retirement savings to purchase overpriced metals and coins. The company will pay more than $51 million in restitution and penalties.

DFPI Crackdown on Crypto Kiosk Operators – We issued a press release announcing an enforcement action against crypto kiosk operator Coinhub for violations of the Digital Financial Assets Law (DFAL). Coinhub must pay $675K for breaking the law as the DFPI continues to crack down on bad actors in the cash-to-crypto kiosk industry. Learn more about crypto kiosk scams.

Health care open enrollment season is here (Nov. 1 – Jan. 15). But be careful when shopping for health insurance. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns that scammers may use deceptive practices and offer you a medical discount plan instead of insurance. Review all documents carefully and follow these FTC guidelines to help avoid health insurance scams.