Staying Safe from Fraud and Scams

In the wake of the 2025 Los Angeles fires, the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) is committed to helping Californians navigate financial challenges during recovery. Below are important tips and guidance to protect your finances, avoid scams, and access available resources as you rebuild.

What to Be Wary of

• Imposters posing as your insurance agents, banks, government officials, relief agencies, or even relatives to gain your trust.
• Charities: Before donating, thoroughly investigate the charity’s legitimacy through organizations like Charity Navigator and the California Office of the Attorney General.
• Contractors: Always make sure contractors are licensed by the Contractors State License Board, are in good standing, and are insured.

Verify Information and Know Your Rights

• Verify information, offers, and credentials. DO NOT click on links or call phone numbers that are emailed, texted, or messaged to you.
• Get information directly from the official source. Secondhand information from people, social media, and calls from unknown contacts can be unreliable.
• Know your rights. Don’t get bullied into action if you feel uncomfortable or are uncertain. Get help from professionals or contact officials for more information.

Take Your Time

Beware that scammers will take advantage of your need for urgency!

• Ignore anyone who is threatening you with limited-time offers, fines, arrest, or losing assistance. Legitimate offers of assistance will always be transparent.
• Review contracts, documents, instructions, and offers carefully before signing or agreeing to them.

Do Not Share your Personal or Financial Information

Limit what you share on social media, emails, crowdfunding sites, etc., as this information can be used by scammers to manipulate you and others.

Talk with Someone you Trust

When people are under stress, they can make rash and irrational decisions. Get a different perspective by talking to trusted family, friends, advisors, financial professionals, or counselors.

Beware of Loan Modification, Foreclosure, and Lending Scams

• Deed-Transferring scammers may tell homeowners that by transferring the deed to their home to a third party, they will no longer be responsible for their mortgage payments. This is NOT true. Transferring a title does not relieve borrowers of their mortgage payments. If you are facing foreclosure, investigate payment options with your mortgage servicer and do NOT sign your property away.
• Intentional Default scammers may urge homeowners not to pay their mortgage to get a loan modification. The terms and standards for a loan modification are always determined by the mortgage loan servicer and no one else. If you are having difficulty making mortgage payments, you should contact your mortgage servicer directly or contact a HUD certified counselor (888-995-4673) for help.
• Advance Fee Scams: Do NOT pay anyone asking for upfront or advance fees for loans, mortgage assistance, or forbearance services. Report any of these scams to the DFPI by calling 866-275-2677 or by submitting a complaint.

Banks, credit unions, and mortgage lenders and servicers may agree to allow homeowners impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires to delay or reduce their mortgage payments for up to three months. Borrowers should contact their servicer for details.

Check Before You Borrow or Invest

Always ask questions about the risks and fees involved. Check the licenses of companies and professionals who are offering loans, investments, or other financial services by visiting the DFPI’s Licensee search.

Report Scams to protect and create awareness for your community and others. Contact your local law enforcement, state legislators, or the District Attorney’s office as well as state and federal authorities, including:

• Reports about financial companies and professionals: Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI)
• Reports about contractors and trade professionals: Contractor State License Board (CSLB)
• Reports about price gouging, civil rights violations, and illegal business practices: the California Attorney General’s Office
• Reports about fraud, scams, and identity theft: Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Printable Resources

• Stay Safe from Fraud and Scams
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