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As California’s older population grows at a tremendous rate, it is critical that we remain committed to protecting them, including from frauds and scams. Financial fraud has increasingly become a serious issue as more and more scammers target older Americans. Just last year, older Americans were scammed out of more than $3.4 billion – 11% more than the previous year.
After spending the bulk of their lives caring for their families and contributing to their communities, California seniors deserve to live healthy, happy, and financially secure lives.
As Attorney General, I am proud to lead DOJ’s Division of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse in investigating and prosecuting elder abuse. From securing a guilty verdict against a woman for stealing $500,000 from her own mother to prosecuting numerous defendants for allegedly defrauding elderly Filipino victims out of their retirement savings, we are showing up for seniors. We are committed to protecting older Californians, supporting survivors, and holding perpetrators accountable. In recognition of Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, I urge everyone to familiarize themselves with common scams targeting seniors and help our elderly loved ones remain vigilant.
In solidarity,
Rob
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Safeguarding Our Elders
 Taking care of our state's senior citizens is vital. Too often, these vulnerable adults suffer in silence. At the California Department of Justice (DOJ), we have been working to protect California's elders by, among other things:
It is up to all of us to ensure our elders get the safety, comfort and dignity they deserve. If you know or suspect a case of elder abuse, please call (800) 722-0432 or visit oag.ca.gov/dmfea/reporting to file a complaint.
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Protecting Tenants
 Millions of Californians are struggling to keep a roof over their heads. This week, I announced a settlement against two individual landlords and their property management company resolving allegations that they violated California’s Tenant Protection Act by unlawfully evicting tenants in Marysville. I want to thank California Rural Legal Assistance for providing assistance in this matter, which underscores my office’s ongoing commitment to protecting renters.
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A Win for Workers
 This week, my office secured a victory in court for California's workers. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit rejected Uber and Postmates’ challenge to Assembly Bill 5 and upheld the law's protections for app-based drivers. DOJ will continue to stand up for the rights of workers to receive the benefits and protections to which they are legally entitled.
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Holding Johnson & Johnson Accountable
 This week, we secured a $700 million multistate settlement with Johnson & Johnson over its talc-based products. The company knew that it could not ensure the safety of its products for women and children, and chose to prioritize profit over honesty. It is unacceptable, and for the people who were harmed, it is devastating. I take pride in serving the people of California and holding those who compromise consumer safety accountable.
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Victory in Gun Violence Prevention
 We secured another victory in the battle against gun violence this week. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit upheld recent legislation prohibiting the sale of firearms and ammunition on state property, including at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego and the Orange County Fair & Event Center. Guns should not be sold on property owned by the state, and we will continue to fight for commonsense gun laws in our communities.
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Make a Difference at California DOJ
 Apply today to help DOJ protect the health, well-being, and public safety of Californians. Check out our featured jobs below and visit oag.ca.gov/careers for a full listing of available positions:
Deputy Attorney General IV, Natural Resources Law
Deputy Attorney General III, Employment Law
Deputy Attorney General IV, DMFEA Civil Section
Deputy Attorney General, Employment Law
Graduate Legal Assistant, Natural Resources Law
Senior Assistant Attorney General, Tort and Condemnation
Bureau Director, Technology Support Bureau
Assistant Bureau Director, Bureau of Firearms
Research Data Specialist II, Departmental Research Services Unit
Research Data Specialist II, Departmental Research Services Unit
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Post of the Week
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FLASH BRIEFING
Attorney General Bonta Files Amended Complaint in Lawsuit Against Five of the Largest Fossil Fuel Companies
Attorney General Bonta: U.S. Supreme Court Overturns Decision on Medication Abortion, but the Fight for Reproductive Rights is Far from Over
Attorney General Bonta Secures $6.75 Million Settlement Against Blackbaud Over 2020 Data Breach
Attorney General Bonta Urges Congress to Quickly Pass Legislation Establishing New Commission to Help Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Through AI
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Video of the Week
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 This week, the Supreme Court overturned a radical decision to impose harmful restrictions on access to mifepristone — a drug widely used for abortion care and miscarriage treatment.
Mifepristone is safe and effective.
The fight for reproductive rights still continues, and California will fight to protect all individuals seeking reproductive healthcare services and medication.
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Beware of AI and Phone Scams
 I also issued a consumer alert for all Californians regarding phone and AI scams. Scammers are often quite literally in our pockets, just a phone call, social media message, or text away. I encourage everyone to review the alert to protect yourself and your families, and learn what to do in case you are targeted.
Here are some quick tips:
- Protect your Social Security number and other sensitive information.
- Beware of government impersonations and other common scams.
- Let phone calls from unfamiliar calls go to voicemail.
- Don't trust caller ID. Be wary if anything seems different about the caller or if they ask for financial or personal information.
- If you suspect a scam call, immediately hang up.
- Take advantage of call-blocking technology.
- Develop family code words.
- Minimize personal audio/video content on social media accounts.
- Check privacy settings on social media.
- Take advantage of call-blocking technology.
- Don't click on suspicious links.
- Go directly to a company website you are familiar with rather than clicking on a link that has been sent to you.
- Use strong passwords.
⬇️ Learn how to protect yourself from phone and AI scams below ⬇️
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