Welcome to the State of California - Department of Corporations' website

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Education & Outreach

scam alerts don't become a target

Welcome to the Department of Corporations' Office of Education & Outreach web site. Our programs and resources are designed to protect California consumers from becoming victims of investment and financial fraud. Please don't hesitate to call our toll-free consumer resource center at 1-866-ASK-CORP (1-866-275-2677) to speak with trained specialists with any questions or concerns, or information about financial scams.

Education & Outreach Resources Page




PROGRAMS

SAIF Logo SAIF (Seniors Against Investment Fraud)
SAIF is statewide outreach campaign that alerts and educates all Californians over the age of 50 about investment and telemarketing fraud crimes and how to avoid being victimized.




TAPS Logo California TAP$ (Troops Against Predatory Scams)
The California TAP$ program educates California's military troops on how to avoid becoming the victim of financial and investment fraud.




EVENTS

Find events presented by, or in association with, the Education and Outreach Program in our Event Calendar.

E&O What's New
  • Notice of Recent California Law Changes Designed to Protect Military Members and their Families - This notice provides a summary of recent California legislation signed by the Governor to help protect military members and their families from unlawful activities in connection with certain loans and financial services provided by persons licensed under laws administered by the Department of Corporations.
  • FSI Fraud Scene Investigator - Fighting crime can teach you a lot. No matter how convincing a scam’s sales pitch may sound, there is always something that just doesn’t feel right. Join our hero Kim as she digs out the truth about a million dollar investment scam. Along the way you’ll discover more about companies, stock reports, investments and white collar crime.
  • Nontraditional Mortgage and Loan Information - Find information about non-traditional mortgage and loan products. Learn more about how these products work in order to decide if they may be right for you.
  • Financial Literacy — Find documents, glossary of terms, links, and other Financial Literacy resources.
  • SAIF Booklet - Complete - Protect Yourself from Investment Fraud — Contains helpful information regarding the SAIF Program and other useful tools to assist you in making investment decisions. Includes all the sections listed below. [pdf]
  • California Housing and Community Development — Consumer Home Mortgage Information: Find tips for home buyers before you purchase, important links, and other resources to help you avoid common pitfalls that can effect every current and future home owner.

FTC - Business Opportunities     FTC - Business Opportunities

 

Multicultural Language Documents
CONSUMER EDUCATION

Want to "be your own boss," "work from home," or just "make extra money"? Then you may be tempted by an ad for a business opportunity. Before you open your checkbook, check out the offer. Here's consumer protection information from the California Department of Corporations, in collaboration with the Federal Trade Commission, on franchise and business opportunity scams. Learn more. (Consumer Education)