March 2022 DFPI Consumer Connection

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.

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 [email protected].

• Student Borrower Resources Social Media Toolkit
• Follow us on the DFPI Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn sites
• Follow and contribute to the #StayReady conversation on social media

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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.

• CalMoneySmart Informational Webinar March 15 – Watch the recording
• CalMoneySmart Informational Webinar March 23 – Watch the recording

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected], 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.