Consumer Alerts

The DFPI has received information about asset recovery scams using the DFPI logo and fraudulently claiming to be from the Department’s “Global Anti-Scam Unit” and the “DFPI Global Fraud Unit,” neither of which exist.

DFPI has been made aware that Patelco Credit Union was subjected to a ransomware attack on June 29. Patelco branch offices and its call center are open to provide member services.

The DFPI has issued orders for violations of California securities laws against companies that offer unregistered securities to the public through smartphone apps available for download from app stores. The DFPI has posted a new consumer brochure on the topic.

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.

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”.

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.

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. 

The DFPI has received information about an advance fee scam involving consumer loans. The imposter represents itself to the public as “Global Lending CA”.

The DFPI has received information that the website https://jenniferlilibethtibbs.com/ and email jenniferlilibethtibbs@gmail.com are fraudulently marketing itself as a licensed financial adviser.