Elder financial exploitation can drastically impact an older adult’s ability to live independently. Such exploitation takes many forms, and no central reporting mechanism exists. The following list aims to give the most common organizations and agencies that may have resources to help you after facing financial abuse.
All situations:
- Call your local police or Sheriff’s department at 911 or an applicable non-emergency line. Please note that local agencies do not generally have the resources to investigate claims of widespread fraud. However, each case is unique, and getting a copy of your police report can open up other legal resources.
- San Diego County Sheriff: (858) 868-3200
- Imperial County Sheriff: (442) 262-2021
- City of San Diego Police: (619) 531-2000 or (858) 484-3154
- City of Escondido Police: (760) 839-4722
- City of Oceanside Police: (760) 435-4900
- City of Carlsbad Police: (442) 339-2197
- City of National City Police: (619) 336-4411 (press 0)
- City of Chula Vista Police: (619) 691-5151
- City of Coronado Police: (619) 522-7350
- City of El Cajon Police: (619) 579-3311
- City of La Mesa Police: (619) 667-7519
- City of El Centro Police: (760) 352-2111
- City of Calexico Police: (760) 768-2140
- City of Brawley Police: (760) 344-2111
- City of Calipatria Police: (760) 344-2111 (same as Brawley)
- City of Westmorland Police: (760) 344-2111 (same as Brawley)
- City of Imperial Police: (760) 355-1158
- Adult Protective Services
- San Diego County: (800) 339-4661
- Imperial County: (760) 337-7878
- National Elder Fraud Hotline: (833) FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311)
Consumer fraud:
- California Department of Consumer Affairs (general)
- California Attorney General (for businesses not regulated by another agency)
- California Department of Financial Protection & Innovation (for financial services, loans, and debt)
- Public Utilities Commission (for utilities and transportation)
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (for loans, financial services, and debt)
- Better Business Bureau
Healthcare and insurance fraud:
- California Department of Healthcare Services (Medi-Cal fraud)
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (Medicare fraud)
- California Department of Insurance (insurance fraud)
Tax fraud:
- California Franchise Tax Board (state tax)
- Internal Revenue Service (federal tax)
Identity theft:
- IdentityTheft.gov (Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Report)
- Credit Bureaus
- Equifax
- Experian
- TransUnion
- Tips: Use certified mail, return receipt requested. Include a copy of your credit report with wrong information highlighted. You can download a copy of your credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com. Also include an FTC Identity Theft Report. Request a fraud alert and credit freeze.
- Your bank (especially for stolen credit and debit cards)
Scams:
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (cyber crime)
- FBI San Diego: (858) 320-1800
- Federal Trade Commission (Spanish version) (any scam)
- U.S. Department of Justice
- AARP (to alert others about the scam)
Disclaimer: The foregoing information does not constitute legal advice. Resources are provided for information purposes only. To form an attorney-client relationship, please contact an attorney. Qualified individuals in San Diego and Imperial Counties may contact Elder Law & Advocacy for free legal advice and counsel at our Get Help page.
