December 2024

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Financial abuse: how banks protect your money

Financial abuse is the most widespread form of domestic abuse. Learn how financial institutions can help protect your money.

Events

We explore a new topic every month in our consumer financial education webinars and attend in-person community events each week.

Get free tax help with VITA

Jan. 8, 12 – 1 p.m. | Virtual

Join this interactive webinar, hosted in partnership with the Koreatown Youth and Community Center, to learn about the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, a free tax preparation service for eligible taxpayers. Register online.

Upcoming Community Events

Jan. 16: Consumer Scam Stopper with Senator Roger Niello (SD6) & Assemblymember Josh Hoover (AD7) | Citrus Heights 

Jan. 23: Protect Yourself from Identity Theft | Simi Valley

Jan. 31: Senior Scam Stopper with Senator Susan Rubio (SD22) | Montclair

For more events happening in your community, visit our events calendar.

DFPI News & Updates

• Commissioner Hewlett retires – Commissioner Cloey Hewlett announced her retirement after more than three years of service with the DFPI. “I could not be prouder of the work we have accomplished together that has made the Department a global and national leader. It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve the people of the State of California and to support Governor Newsom. Seeing your incredible work firsthand over the years makes it clear that DFPI will continue to carry out its mission and be a leader in financial regulation,” said Hewlett in her personal announcement. She will be stepping down from her position at the end of the year. Read her letter to partners.

Consumer Alerts & Enforcement Actions

• OakSmart Scam Alert – We issued a desist and refrain order against crypto scheme OakSmart for offering and selling unqualified securities and misleading investors. Share this video to help others stay safe from investment fraud.

Gift cards are a popular and convenient gift-giving option, but they are also a target for scammers. A gift card draining scam happens when scammers tamper with gift cards in stores using a handheld scanner to capture card information. Once the card is activated, they either clone and create counterfeit cards, use the information to shop online, or divert the funds to their own cards, leaving the unsuspecting buyer with an empty gift card. Before purchasing a gift card, learn how to avoid gift card scams from the Better Business Bureau.