Step-by-Step Guide: How to Report Scams in California

If you have been scammed, act quickly. This step-by-step guide walks you through exactly what to do and who to contact in California. Reporting helps protect you and prevents criminals from targeting others.

California Reporting: Your Primary Contacts

California has strong consumer protection. Start with these state-specific resources:

California Attorney General – Senior Fraud

California Adult Protective Services

  • 24/7 Hotline: (833) 401-0832
  • Can dispatch local help for vulnerable seniors

DFPI (Financial/Investment Scams)

  • Phone: (866) 275-2677
  • For any investment, crypto, or financial advisor fraud

California County-Specific Resources

Los Angeles County:

  • LA County Elder Abuse Hotline: (877) 477-3646
  • LAPD Non-Emergency: (877) 275-5273
  • LA County AAA: (800) 510-2020

San Diego County:

  • APS Hotline: (800) 339-4661
  • SD Police Non-Emergency: (619) 531-2000

San Francisco:

  • SF APS: (800) 814-0009
  • SFPD Non-Emergency: (415) 553-0123

Orange County:

  • OC APS: (800) 451-5155
  • OC Office on Aging: (800) 510-2020

Multi-Language Reporting Help

California agencies offer assistance in Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Korean, and Tagalog. When calling, request an interpreter if needed.

Before You Report: Gather Your Information

Have this information ready before filing reports:

  • Date(s) the scam occurred
  • Name or company name the scammer used
  • Phone numbers, emails, or websites they used
  • How much money was lost
  • How you paid (wire transfer, gift card, cash, cryptocurrency)
  • Screenshots of any messages or emails
  • Any reference or confirmation numbers

Step 1: Secure Your Accounts (Do This First)

If You Shared Passwords or Login Information

  • Change passwords immediately from a secure device
  • Enable two-factor authentication where available
  • Check for unauthorized account activity

If You Shared Bank or Credit Card Information

  • Call your bank immediately using the number on your card
  • Request a freeze on your accounts
  • Ask for new account numbers and cards
  • Dispute any unauthorized charges

If You Shared Your Social Security Number

  • Place a fraud alert with one credit bureau (they notify the others):
    • Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
    • Experian: 1-888-397-3742
    • TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
  • Consider a credit freeze to prevent new accounts
  • Request free credit reports at annualcreditreport.com

Step 2: Report to Federal Agencies

FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

  • Website: ic3.gov
  • For all internet-enabled crimes
  • Save your complaint number

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Step 3: Report to California Agencies

California Attorney General

California Adult Protective Services (APS)

  • 24/7 Hotline: (833) 401-0832
  • Enter your ZIP code to be connected to local APS

California Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)

For Medicare-related fraud:

Step 4: Report to Local Police

File a police report with your local department. You may need this for insurance claims or credit disputes.

Major California City Non-Emergency Numbers:

  • Los Angeles: (877) 275-5273
  • San Diego: (619) 531-2000
  • San Jose: (408) 277-8900
  • San Francisco: (415) 553-0123

Step 5: Contact Your Financial Institutions

  • Report the fraud to your bank and credit card companies
  • Ask about fraud protection and potential recovery
  • Request written confirmation of your report

Get Emotional Support

Being scammed is traumatic. You are not alone, and it is not your fault.

  • National Elder Fraud Hotline: (833) 372-8311 – free case management and support
  • California 211: Dial 211 for local counseling and support services
  • AARP Fraud Watch Network: 1-877-908-3360

California Scam Reporting Checklist

  • ☐ Secured my accounts (changed passwords, contacted bank)
  • ☐ Placed fraud alert with credit bureaus (if SSN shared)
  • ☐ Reported to FBI IC3
  • ☐ Reported to FTC
  • ☐ Reported to California Attorney General
  • ☐ Contacted California APS (if applicable)
  • ☐ Filed local police report
  • ☐ Notified financial institutions
  • ☐ Saved all confirmation numbers

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