Full Notification

An elderly resident in Petaluma received a phone call from a 202 area code stating the resident would be arrested if they did not pay their delinquent taxes. The resident does not owe any unpaid taxes and this was an obvious attempt to fraudulently obtain funds.

Below is information that can help prevent you from being a victim of fraud or an illegal scam.

10 Tips to help protect yourself against Financial Abuse, Scams and Frauds
DO NOT:
• Do not give out personal information over the phone, by mail or online unless you have verified the legitimacy of the contact.
• Do not make financial decisions alone-consult with trusted family, friends, and professionals. Do your homework and verify the company you are doing business with.
• Do not engage with phone or door solicitation. Hang up or close the door.
• Do not respond to promises of riches. If it sounds too good to be true – then it is! A promise of riches with upfront fees is your first clue this is a scam.
• Do not purchase or participate in financial transactions you do not initiate.

DO:
• Do organize your finances and keep personal information and documents secure.
• Do make future planning a priority by completing power of attorneys, estate planning and considering a neutral third party (private fiduciary Services) to help manage your finances.
• Do educate yourself about common scams, financial and investment frauds, and unscrupulous sales practices.
• Do reach out to others if you have been a victim of a scam or financial abuse- isolation increase vulnerability.
• Do a background check and call work and personal references when hiring a caregiver.


Who do I Contact If I need Help:

Adult Protective Services:
If you or someone you know is a victim of elder or dependent abuse or neglect contact APS. All APS reports are confidential and the identity of anyone making a report is confidential. APS investigates reports of physical abuse, abandonment, abduction, isolation, financial, psychological/mental abuse, and neglect. APS delivers services with the consent of the victim or victim’s representative. (707) 565-5940 (800) 667-0404 - 24 hour hotline.

District Attorney’s Office Elder Protection Unit:
The Elder Protection Unit handles all felony cases that involve the abuse of an elder or dependent adult, as defined by California Penal Code Section 368. The Unit includes a prosecutor, investigator and victim advocate, all trained and experienced in working with senior citizens. The unit works closely with other law enforcement agencies, and social service agencies such as Adult Protective Services to ensure that abusers are held accountable. (707) 565-2311.
Sonoma County Sheriff Department:
If you are an elder or dependent adult and are being abused, or know someone who is, please contact your local law enforcement agency -Sonoma County Sheriff Department to report immediate life threatening danger or criminal activity including scams and financial abuse. 911 or (707) 565-2121.
Resources for Education and Prevention:
California Department of Corporations: (1-866-275-2677) www.corp.ca.gov
Seniors Against Investment Fraud (SAIF)
U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) 1-877-382-4357 www.ftc.gov
Identify Theft Hotline 1-877-438-4338 www.consumer.gov/idtheft
Do Not Call Registry 1-888-382-1222 www.donotcall.gov
U.S Postal Service (USPS) Inspector General 1-800-654-8896 www.postalinspector.uspis.gov
USPS Sweepstakes/Mail Fraud Hotline 1-800-327-8347
FBI www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/fraud/seniors