DFPI News
Credit Union Smishing Scam
Coast Central Credit Union (CCCU) has advised the DFPI that their call center has received numerous calls from members and non-members indicating that they received fraudulent SMS text messages that purport to be from CCCU.
DFPI Reports Expanded Enforcement, Awareness Under CA Consumer Financial Protection Law
The DFPI today released its 2023 report outlining significant increases in investigations, public actions, and consumer outreach efforts under the California Consumer Financial Protection Law (CCFPL).
Fraudulent Bank Website Scam
The DFPI has received information about a fraudulent website posing as Bank of the Sierra. The correct web address for Bank of the Sierra is https://www.bankofthesierra.com. The imposter represents itself to the public as “bksierra.org”.
DFPI Takes Action Against MOHELA to Protect California Student Loan Borrowers
MOHELA will pay penalties for failing to provide timely access to borrower data so the DFPI can reach borrowers whose deadline to qualify for debt relief is April 30.
Protect Yourself from Imposter Scams
Americans lost over $10 billion to scams last year. Imposter scams were identified as the most reported scams in 2023. Learn how to recognize the red flags and protect yourself from the most common types of imposter scams.
Three Steps to Managing and Getting Out of Debt
Debt can build up quickly and compound when not managed carefully. Follow these three steps to manage and get out of debt.
Strengthening the Legacy of César Chávez
DFPI’s mission is to foster an economy that works for everyone in California. Meet some CalMoneySmart grantees that support financial education and empowerment programs for farmworker and immigrant communities across California.
“Hartman Cain & Associates” is Fraudulently Misrepresenting a Legal Settlement Involving the “California Department of Business Oversight”
The DFPI, which was formerly known as the Department of Business Oversight, reports that there is no licensed law firm in California called “Hartman Cain & Associates,” nor is the DFPI involved in a settlement with any entity using that name.
DFPI Urges Caution Regarding Use of the “California Department of Insurance” and “DFPI” Names and Logos in a Scam Demanding “Authorization Fees”
The DFPI has received information about scammers using a document claiming to be from the CA Department of Insurance (DOI) and the “California Department of EDFP Financial Protection and Innovation” and using the logo of the DFPI.
April 2024 Monthly Bulletin
- DFPI Launches 5th Round of CalMoneySmart Grants to Support Financial Empowermen
- New Investment Adviser Representative (IAR) Continuing Education Rules
- Some Escrow Reports Due Apr. 15
DFPI Now Accepting Applications for Up to $2 Million in CalMoneySmart Grants
The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) announced today it is now accepting applications for CalMoneySmart Grant Program.
Buy Now, Pay Later: Protect Yourself Before You Check Out
Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) plans are a popular way to make purchases online. But like all forms of credit, BNPL comes with its share of risks. Before your next big purchase, make sure you are adequately informed about BNPL, so you don’t end up owing more than you bargained for.
Fraudulent Bank Website Scam
State-chartered bank Beach Cities Commercial Bank (BCCB) has advised the DFPI of a fraudulent website with the domain “Beachcitiescommercialbank.com,” representing themselves as an e-bank. BCCB’s legitimate domain is beachcitiescb.com.
California DFPI Orders Sigue Corporation to Cease Money Transmission Activity
DFPI announced today that it has entered into a Consent Order with Sigue Corporation to cease all money transmission activity in California and cooperate with consumers seeking refunds.
Website https://carolpasollewis.com/ is Fraudulently Posing as a California-licensed Investment Adviser
The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) has received information that the website https://carolpasollewis.com/ is fraudulently marketing itself as a licensed financial adviser.