TranslateConsumer Alerts
Senior Scam Re: Home Improvements
We have received a report that phone solicitors arecontacting seniors representing they are part of a new County sponsored programto assist seniors with home repairs. Read full story
FEMA Fraud
We have received reports that fraudulentapplications are being filed for FEMA relief. If you believe that you are thevictim of disaster relief fraud associated with FEMA, please report the frauddirectly to the FEMA Fraud Branch Read full story
COVID 19 Price Gouging
On April 3, 2020, Governor Newsom issued a new Executive Order relating to price gouging during the ongoing COVID 19 crisis. The order extends the price gouging limitations through September 4, 2020 for certain products Read full story
COVID 19 Scams
Unfortunately scammers look for opportunities during a crisis to create new scams or revamp existing scams. The Federal Trade Commission is issuing warnings regarding these scams. Read full story
FTC Settlement with University of Phoenix
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reached a settlement with the University of Phoenix based on deceptive advertisements that falsely touted their relationships and job opportunities with companies such as AT&T, Yahoo!, Microsoft and other companies. The school did not have relationships with these companies. According to the FTC this is the largest settlement that they have obtained against a for-profit school. $50 million of the $191 settlement will be used to provide consumer refunds and $141 million in debt forgiveness. Read full story
Deadline to File Claim for PG&E Wildfire Fund
PG&E has established a $100 Million emergency relief fund to help wildfire victims in need of immediate financial assistance to help defer costs for housing, food, medical and other normal living expenses. Read full story
In Home Support Services Scam
Our office has received a report that individuals are going door to door in senior communities and offering a service to help elderly or disabled persons sign up for In-Home Support Services for a flat fee of $500. Read full story
Receiver Appointed For California Sonoma Steam II Charter School
The San Diego County Grand jury handed down a criminal indictment which uncovered a statewide financial fraud related to the operation, control and oversight of 19 charter schools including the California Sonoma STEAM II charter school in the Guerneville Elementary School District. Read full story
Governor Extends Price Gouging Protections
On May 31, 2019, Governor Newsom extended the Price Gouging protections under Penal Code Section 396 for Sonoma County and other counties affected by wildfires. Read full story
Rental Scams
A reminder to be aware of rental scams. We have received reports of new scams involving properties in Sonoma County. In these cases, a person runs an ad usually on Craig’s list advertising a property is for rent and instructs you to drive by. Read full story