Consumer Alerts

The San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office is seeking to warn consumers about the growing threat of “Shoulder Surfing” robberies in the area. Criminals are increasingly targeting individuals who use ATMs, watching for PIN entries, and then using clever distractions to separate victims from their wallets or purses. This scam is quick, subtle, and often overlooked until it is too late.

In today’s connected world, children’s digital footprints are expanding rapidly, and with that expansion come new responsibilities for parents and guardians. Here are a few strategies for keeping kids safe online.

The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office is alerting the community about the surge in so-called "pig-butchering" scams targeting seniors through fake relationships, eventually manipulating them into fraudulent investments or financial transfers. These scams take many financial forms, including cryptocurrency, wire transfers, prepaid gift cards, and even cash.

October is more than pumpkin spice and fall leaves - it’s also Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

Did someone steal your identity? Or are you looking for ways to help protect yourself from identity theft? A great place to start is freezing your credit. Here’s what to know.

If you feel like you get more than your share of unwanted calls, you’re not alone. To slow down these persistent calls — some of which lead straight to scams — take a few simple steps.

Scammers are pretending to be Amazon again. This time, they’re sending texts claiming there’s a problem with something you bought. They offer a refund if you click a link — but it’s a scam. Here’s how the scam works so you can avoid it.

Have you gotten a call that looks like it’s from your local police department? Scammers are faking caller ID to impersonate local law enforcement, hoping to get you to pay. Learn how this scam works so you can avoid it.

You might receive an email or text that appears to come from Apple, Microsoft, or Google, stating that you’re out of storage. The message looks legit, and you might think there’s a chance you need more cloud space, but your scam radar is going off. How can you be sure the link to upgrade isn’t a scam?

Looking for health insurance? Make sure that’s what you’re really getting. Some dishonest marketers make it sound like they’re selling health insurance, when you’re really just getting a discount plan. Here’s what to know.

When it comes to scammers, nothing is sacred — including the bond between grandparent and grandchild. Recently, right here in San Joaquin County, grandparent scammers have gotten bolder: they might even come to your door to collect money, supposedly for your grandchild in distress.

If you have a cell phone, you probably use it dozens of times a day to text people you know. But have you ever gotten a text message from an unknown sender? It could be a scammer trying to steal your personal and financial information. Here’s how to handle and report unwanted text messages.

You may have heard the news: JOANN Fabric & Craft stores are closing — and holding big clearance sales before they shut their doors. Looking to grab some deals? The real JOANN sales are only happening in person in their physical stores. But that hasn’t stopped scammers from setting up bogus websites with fraudulent deals claiming to give you 80-90% off. Here’s how to avoid these JOANN online impersonators.

You’re online and get a message or pop-up alerting you to a problem with your computer. The message might even say or suggest it’s from Microsoft, Apple, or Geek Squad. Should you click immediately to see what it’s about? No, and here’s why.

You’re not the only one getting scammy text messages about unpaid toll charges or issues with your Amazon account. Chances are your tweens and teens with phones are getting them, too. Sure, you can tell your kids to delete and never respond to unexpected texts. But if you want them to understand why, the FTC can help you make a game plan.

Online search results can offer significant benefits to consumers, helping people find what they’re looking for. But online search results are also used by scammers to steer you in the wrong direction.

District Attorney Ron Freitas spreads the warning about fake PG&E postcard notices being left in the doors of residents in Oakdale.

Join District Attorney Ron Freitas in celebrating National Consumer Protection Week (March 2-8, 2025). To find more information on Consumer Protection visit our website! www.sjcda.org/consumer #NCPW2025 #sjcda

Join District Attorney Ron Freitas in celebrating National Consumer Protection Week (March 2-8, 2025). To find more information on Consumer Protection visit our website! www.sjcda.org/consumer #NCPW2025 #sjcda

Tax season is here, and people have questions. Where to file? How to file? Can I file online? For free? For those answers, always start with the official IRS website at irs.gov.