Step-by-Step Guide: How to Report Scams in California
If you or a loved one has been scammed, act quickly. Reporting helps protect you, may help recover losses, and prevents criminals from targeting others. In 2025, 27,647 California seniors reported elder fraud to the FBI, with total losses reaching $1.4 billion. Many more go unreported.
California Senior Fraud at a Glance (2025)
| Crime Type | Victims | 2025 Losses | YoY | Rank |
| Tech Support Scam | 2,783 | $169.5M | -11% | #1 |
| Investment Scam | 2,561 | $679.0M | +94% | #1 |
| Romance Scam | 1,173 | $100.9M | +99% | #1 |
| Government Impersonation Scam | 1,470 | $118.9M | +171% | #1 |
| Combined Total | 7,987 | $1068.3M |
Source: FBI IC3 2025 Annual Report. California residents aged 60+.
Step 1: Secure Your Accounts Immediately
- Contact your bank or credit union to freeze or close compromised accounts
- Change all passwords for email, banking, and social media
- Place a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion
- Consider a credit freeze to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name
Step 2: Report to California Authorities
- Office of the California Attorney General
Phone: (916) 445-9555
Online: oag.ca.gov
The AG’s office investigates consumer fraud and can take action against scammers operating in California. - Your local police department
File a report even if the scammer is out of state — this creates an official record you may need for insurance or bank claims. - California Adult Protective Services
Phone: (833) 401-0832
If you suspect a vulnerable adult is being financially exploited.
Step 3: Report to Federal Agencies
Federal agencies investigate scams that cross state lines, which is most online fraud. In 2025, California seniors reported $1068.3 million in losses to the four major scam categories alone. Every report — even for small amounts — helps the FBI and FTC identify criminal networks and build cases.
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
ic3.gov
The primary federal portal for reporting online fraud. Your report feeds into national investigations. - Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
reportfraud.ftc.gov
Tracks scam patterns nationwide and shares data with law enforcement. - Social Security OIG (for Social Security scams)
oig.ssa.gov - IRS (for tax-related scams)
irs.gov/report-phishing
Step 4: Document Everything
- Save all emails, text messages, and chat logs
- Write down phone numbers and dates of calls
- Keep receipts for any payments made (gift cards, wire transfers, etc.)
- Take screenshots of websites, popups, or social media profiles
- Note the exact amount of money lost and how it was sent
Step 5: Seek Support
Being scammed is not your fault. Scammers are professional criminals. Reach out for help:
- California 211: Dial 211 for local support services and counseling referrals
- AARP Fraud Watch Helpline: (877) 908-3360 — free support from trained specialists
- Area Agency on Aging: Find your local AAA at eldercare.acl.gov
- Talk to family: Sharing what happened helps with recovery and prevents others from falling victim
Learn More
Understanding how scams work is your best defense. Explore these resources:
- National Elder Fraud Hub — 2025 FBI data, all 52 states
- First 24 Hours Emergency Guide — step-by-step crisis response
- AI-Powered Scams — how artificial intelligence is making fraud harder to detect
- Scam & Cybersecurity Glossary — 80+ terms explained in plain English
- Free Online Training — interactive courses with quizzes
Share Your Experience
Your story could help protect other California seniors. Consider sharing your experience on our site to warn others about the scam tactics you encountered.