Proceed With Caution: California Attorney General Bonta Alerts Consumers to Ongoing Scam
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued a critical alert to consumers about an ongoing scam that has been plaguing residents across the state. The scam involves fraudulent calls from individuals posing as representatives from the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB), using the guise of offering a 'tax refund' to trick unsuspecting victims into providing personal information or making payments.
Attorney General Bonta emphasized the importance of vigilance, stating, "Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using the promise of a tax refund to exploit people's trust. It's crucial for Californians to be on guard and to verify the identity of anyone who contacts them claiming to be from a government agency."
The scam has been reported across various parts of California, with scammers often using spoofed caller ID to appear legitimate. The Attorney General's office has advised residents to hang up immediately if they receive a suspicious call and to report the incident to both the FTB and the Department of Justice.
In response to this scam, the California Department of Justice has launched an awareness campaign to educate the public on how to recognize and avoid such fraudulent schemes. They are also working closely with law enforcement to track down and prosecute those responsible for the scam.
This alert serves as a reminder for consumers to remain cautious and to take steps to protect their personal information from falling into the wrong hands.
