March 2022
Student Loan Borrower Resources Now Available
Student loan payments will restart for almost four million Californians on May 1, 2022, and thousands of public sector workers with federal student loan debt may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Waiver that expires on Oct. 31, 2022.
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Governor Newsom’s 2022-23 Budget Proposal announced $10 million be awarded to the DFPI to provide resources to help educate and empower California student loan borrowers to know their rights and repayment options. A statewide communications campaign will help student loan borrowers meet upcoming federal repayment and loan forgiveness deadlines, as well as alert them to when they need to file a complaint against their servicer.
As part of this initiative, the DFPI released the following student borrower resources:
- Student Borrower Resources webpage
- Student Borrower Resources Webinar – March 29, 11am
We need your help! The DFPI needs your help to amplify our student borrower social media messaging. In this toolkit, you will find a variety of graphics and videos on topics such as student borrower rights, critical repayment deadlines, PSLF waiver deadlines, program requirements, and much more. You are encouraged to use the resources provided below to raise awareness about the campaign among your members and networks. If you have any questions or comments on the Student Borrower Resources Campaign, email us at communications@dfpi.ca.gov.
Recent and Upcoming DFPI Consumer Outreach Events
For more information about DFPI’s Education & Outreach programs, events calendar, and other consumer protection resources, please visit the DFPI Education & Outreach webpage. Recordings of select events can also be viewed on the DFPI YouTube Channel.
| Date/Time | Event |
| March 24, 4 pm | Senior Scam Stopper with the DFPI, Contractors State License Board, and Senator Melissa Hurtado (SD14). To RSVP call (559) 264-3070. |
| March 25, 9 am | Protect Yourself from Cyberfraud and Scams hosted by the Office of Assemblymember Suzette Martinez-Vallardes (AD38) and the DFPI. Join this virtual event to learn about frauds and scams and tools to avoid becoming a victim of fraud. To RSVP email Assemblymember Valladares or call (661) 286-1565. |
| March 25, 2 pm | Senior Scam Stopper with the DFPI, Contractors State License Board, and Assemblymember Steve Choi (AD68). To RSVP call (714) 665-6868. |
| March 29, 11 am | Get Student Loan Borrower Resources! Meet the many government, legal, and nonprofit organizations that support student loan borrowers and learn about their services. Student Loan Borrower Free Webinar Registration |
| April 12, 10 am | Financial Capability Month Resource Virtual Fair In honor of National Financial Capability Month, the DFPI is hosting a FREE webinar highlighting the many financial empowerment resources available to consumers. Financial Capability Month Free Virtual Fair Registration |
| April 22, 10 am | Senior Scam Stopper with the DFPI, Contractors State License Board, and Office of Assemblymember Steve Bennett (AD37). To RSVP call (805) 564-1649. |
| April 26, 9 am | Senior Scam Stopper with the DFPI, Contractors State License Board, Office of Assemblymember Chris Holden (AD41), and City of Claremont. To RSVP or for more information call Josyln Senior Center (909) 399-5488. |
| April 28 | English: 10 am Spanish: 12 pm – Protect Yourself from Fraud with the DFPI, hosted in partnership with the Midway City Community Center. To RSVP call (714) 492-4420. |
Statewide Communications Campaign Public Launch
On March 8, the DFPI launched its statewide communications campaign to educate and empower California consumers. With resources in half a dozen languages, the campaign is expected to reach millions of consumers who may be struggling with debt collectors, student loan servicers, or other financial service providers.
The campaign launch was announced to thousands of stakeholders throughout the state via an email blast. Want to get on that list? Email us today at Communications@dfpi.ca.gov.
Throughout the campaign, the DFPI partners will receive a social media toolkit to help with dissemination efforts. A wave of print, television, radio, and billboard ads will follow in late March, April, and May, along with a media relations campaign. Campaign webpage links are provided below:
- English Statewide Campaign
- Spanish Statewide Campaign
- Chinese Statewide Campaign
- Vietnamese Statewide Campaign
- Korean Statewide Campaign
Help us share this information by including these helpful links in your newsletters, e-blasts, website, group chats, and more! More information and resources will be coming to your communities over the next several weeks, so we encourage you to check back frequently to our webpages and social media sites for the most up-to-date information. If you have any questions or comments on the Statewide Communications Campaign, email us at Communications@dfpi.ca.gov.
Apply Now! DFPI Launches 3rd Round of CalMoneySmart Grants to Support Financial Education
The DFPI is now accepting applications for its CalMoneySmart Grant Program, awarding grants up to $200,000 to nonprofits providing free financial education or empowerment for unbanked and underbanked consumers in California. The DFPI will be hosting two webinars in March to review the program and answer questions.
The CalMoneySmart application deadline is April 29, 2022. The DFPI expects to announce the 2022-23 grantees in July. To apply, access the CalMoneySmart Application Portal. For more information, comments, or help on CalMoneySmart, visit the CalMoneySmart Webpage or email us at calmoneysmart@dfpi.ca.gov.
Attorney General Bonta Highlights Consumer Resources
In recognition of National Consumer Protection Week, California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a March 7 Press Release highlighting ongoing efforts to protect California consumers and urging consumers to report misconduct or violations of state consumer protection laws to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) via their Consumer Report Online Form.
If you believe a DFPI licensed or registered financial services company or individual has violated state law or acted improperly, we encourage you to submit your complaint on the DFPI’s File a Complaint Webpage, by email at Ask.DFPI@dfpi.ca.gov, or call our hotline at (866) 275-2677.
DFPI Issues Guidance Regarding Russian Sanctions
The DFPI is doing its part to support federal sanctions against Russia for its unlawful invasion of Ukraine. On March 4, DFPI Commissioner Cloey Hewlett sent to banks, credit unions, money transmitters, and other interested parties, a bulletin announcing Sanctions Guidance relating to the situation in Ukraine and Russia. All financial institutions licensed by the DFPI are subject to the regulations issued by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). The DFPI guidance reminds licensees of their obligations and covers sanctions, virtual currency, and cybersecurity.
March is National Women’s History Month
National Women’s History Month was established in 1987 to celebrate women across the nation and their efforts to make the country, and the world, a better place for women of all ages and races. Learn more about Women’s History Month.
Beware of Ukraine Charity Scams
As the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine continues, many people around the world want to help either by donating money or supplies. Unfortunately, that creates an opportunity for scammers to take advantage of a donor’s goodwill. The most common types of these scams include phone calls, emails, banner ads, and text messages that ask for donations. Often these communications are coming from cybercriminals trying to capitalize on the current geopolitical turmoil. Use these Federal Trade Commission’s Recommended Organizations to help you research charities. Learn more about How to Avoid Russia-Ukraine Fundraising Scams.
March 15 is World Consumer Rights Day
World Consumer Rights Day was inspired by President John F. Kennedy in a special address to the U.S. Congress in 1962. He was the first world leader to officially address the issue of consumer rights. The consumer movement first marked this date in 1983 and now uses the day every year to mobilize action on important issues and campaigns. This annual collaboration raises global awareness about the rights and needs of consumers. It’s also a day to demand that the rights of consumers are respected and protected. Learn more about World Consumer Rights Day.
Get Help with your IRS Tax Dispute
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITC) assist low-income individuals who have a tax dispute with the IRS and provide education and outreach to individuals who speak English as a second language (ESL). In order to qualify for assistance, a taxpayer’s income must be below a certain threshold and the amount in dispute with the IRS is less than $50,000. You can also get information about your taxpayer rights and responsibilities in different languages. Services are offered for free or a small fee. Learn more about Low Income Taxpayer Clinics.
Career Opportunities with DFPI
The DFPI is California’s primary regulatory authority overseeing financial services, products, and professionals. Its mission includes protecting consumers from potential abusive, deceptive, and unfair practices.
If you are passionate about wanting to make a difference in protecting consumers from financial fraud, join our team! Find out more about available positions on the DFPI’s Careers Webpage.
Did you know?
- The IRS doesn’t initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages, or social media to request personal or financial information. Recognize the telltale signs of a tax scam: How to know it’s really the IRS calling or knocking on your door.
- The Better Business Bureau (BBB) publishes an annual Scam Tracker Risk Report which highlights scams are being perpetrated, who is being targeted, and much more. Learn more, the 2021 BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report is now available.
Contact Us
- Do you have any questions or comments about the Consumer Connection newsletter?
- Would you like to promote your organization’s programs and events in our newsletter?
- Would you like to make a request for a DFPI outreach professional to present at your event?
- The DFPI Education & Outreach team is eager to hear from you. Please contact us at Outreach@dfpi.ca.gov.
- For more information about DFPI’s Education & Outreach programs, events calendar, and other consumer protection resources, please visit the DFPI Education & Outreach webpage.
CLOTHILDE V. HEWLETT • Commissioner of Financial Protection and Innovation
The March 2022 Consumer Connection covers the month ending February 28, 2022.
The Consumer Connection is available at no charge via e-mail.
