Senior Scam Prevention & Fraud Resources in California
I. Overview: California’s Elder Population and Key Cities
California is the most populous state in the United States, with an estimated population of 38.9 million as of 2024. Among these, approximately 6.6 million residents are aged 65 and older, representing around 17% of the total population. As the senior population grows rapidly due to demographic trends and longer lifespans, protecting older Californians from cybercrime and fraud becomes increasingly urgent.
The top three cities in California by population — and among the most affected by elder-targeted scams — are:
- Los Angeles (approx. 3.8 million people)
- San Diego (approx. 1.4 million people)
- San Jose (approx. 1.0 million people)
These urban centers not only have dense populations but also large communities of older adults, making them important hubs for awareness, prevention, and law enforcement efforts related to cybercrime against seniors.
II. 2024 Victim Report: How Scammers Targeted California’s Seniors
In 2024, California had 18,091 victims aged 60+ who reported losses totaling $832,710,048
Loss by Crime Type
| Crime Type | Loss Amount |
| Investment | $350,458,561 |
| Tech Support | $191,067,028 |
| Government Impersonation | $43,867,529 |
| Romance | $50,734,540 |
III. Emergency & Official Contacts
Local Police Departments – Elder Fraud Contact Points
1. Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) – Elder Fraud Unit
- Phone: (877) 275-5273 (non-emergency, 24/7)
- Website: www.lapdonline.org
- Tip: Ask for the Financial Crimes Division or Elder Abuse Unit.
2. San Diego Police Department – Elder Abuse Unit
- Phone: (619) 531-2000 (non-emergency)
- Website: www.sandiego.gov/police
- Email: [email protected] (if available or confirmed)
3. San Jose Police Department – Financial Crimes Unit
- Phone: (408) 277-8900 (non-emergency)
- Website: www.sjpd.org
- Direct contact: Ask for “Elder Financial Abuse Investigator” through main line.
FBI & Federal Resources
FBI Los Angeles Field Office (for LA and surrounding areas)
- Phone: (310) 477-6565
- Website: www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/losangeles
FBI San Diego Field Office
- Phone: (858) 320-1800
- Website: www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/sandiego
Report Online Scams via IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center)
- Website: www.ic3.gov
- Tip: File complaints on behalf of a loved one if needed.
State Attorney General – Elder Abuse & Fraud Protection
California Department of Justice – Elder Abuse & Fraud Division
- Consumer Protection Hotline: (800) 952-5225
- Website: www.oag.ca.gov/elder-abuse
This office offers:
- Legal guidance for financial abuse
- Investigative coordination with local law enforcement
- Victim support services for older adults
Other Useful Statewide Elder Assistance Lines
California Adult Protective Services (APS) 24/7 Hotline
- Phone: (833) 401-0832
- Prompt: Enter your ZIP code to be routed to local APS
Los Angeles County Elder Fraud Hotline (DA’s Office)
- Phone: (213) 257-2450
- Website: da.lacounty.gov
San Diego County Aging & Independence Services (AIS)
- Elder Abuse Reporting Line: (800) 510-2020
California Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) – Fraud Reporting
- Phone: (855) 613-7080
- Website: www.cahealthadvocates.org
What You Can Do
· Save these contacts somewhere safe.
· Call if you see any unusual financial activity, strange calls, or suspicious online behavior.
· Help a friend or family member report scams, action stops crime.
· Visit our Fraud Education Center for red flags, prevention tips, and reporting guides.
Share Your Story
Have you or a loved one experienced a scam, or stopped one just in time? Your story could help protect someone else.
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