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Libraries

Scams and Fraud

Woman sitting on couch looks at her phone with frustrated expression.

As the holiday season approaches, more people will be targets of fraud and scammers. Libraries can protect Californians against these financial risks. CALL wants to alert you to two great resources to provide fraud prevention education to your patrons and staff.

The Federal Trade Commission has a daily scam email bulletin, and recently posted a list of resources just for library staff. They specifically thanked and praised libraries for their hard work assisting folks in spotting, avoiding, and reporting scams. Their new webpage for library staff offers webinars, office hours, videos, themed programming ideas (for Identity Theft Awareness Week, Financial Literacy month, and more) and social media posts like these:

Example of FTC scam. Text reads, "She said it was the government calling. But she wanted by Social Security number. No way." Tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Example of FTC scam. Text reads, "My online boyfriend told me he loves me, and now he wants me to send him money. Not so fast." Tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Example of FTC scam. Text reads, "They say I can earn a lot of money being my own boss. But only if I pay them first. That seems wrong." Tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov

Plus, the State of California has a Department of Financial Protection and Innovation that offers outreach services to libraries and residents. They can provide brochures, educational videos, and in-person events (in English, Spanish, and Korean). Check out their calendar of scheduled events and plan your own event! DFPI offers invaluable resources on many topics, including consumer fraud, seniors, military personnel, elder abuse, immigrant community outreach, and mortgage education.