News & Reports - DFPI News & Reports DFPI strives for transparency and engagement with California consumers and businesses. Featured News and Updates Press Release Supporting Financial Empowerment: DFPI Opens New CalMoneySmart Grant Application Period Mar 30, 2026 The DFPI announced that $3.2 million in grants is available through the 2026–2028 CalMoneySmart program for nonprofit organizations that provide free financial empowerment services to California residents. Consumer Insights The New Era of Tech-Enabled Scams Feb 27, 2026 It may seem daunting to keep up with technology these days. As it evolves, it seems to create more opportunities for criminals to exploit consumers. The scale of the problem is huge, and it will take us all working together to turn the tide. Alerts WhatsApp Investment Group called “Sofi Investment Group” Posing as a California-licensed Investment Adviser Mar 9, 2026 The DFPI has received information that individuals are using the WhatsApp group “Sofi Investment Group” to falsely present themselves as licensed investment advisers. Alerts WhatsApp Investment Group called “VIP Guidance Group” Posing as a California-licensed Investment Adviser Feb 18, 2026 An individual calling himself Professor Jake Civiello is falsely posing as a licensed investment adviser. He runs a WhatsApp group called VIP Guidance Group, which is NOT connected to any licensed investment adviser or broker-dealer in CA. Explore More: Insights Alerts Events Press Releases Monthly Bulletin Reports Upcoming Events Protect Yourself from Investment Scams Webinar Event Date: April 15 Location: Virtual Protect Yourself from Fraud Presentation in Spanish Event Date: April 16 Location: Fruit Ridge Community Collaborative Folsom Senior Center Spring Resource Fair Event Date: April 17 Location: Folsom City Senior & Arts Center All Events Stay Connected Linked In Industry Updates Important Notices Proclamation of an Extraordinary Situation – DFPI Proclamation – 1/8/25 Jan 8, 2025 WHEREAS on January 7, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed that a state of emergency did then exist in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties of California due to extreme fire and windstorm conditions; and Press Release DFPI Shares Practical Steps for Your Family During National Consumer Protection Week Mar 6, 2026 DFPI and the Attorney General shut down fraudulent websites; learn how to help protect your family and friends from scams; and take part in our survey on tech-enabled fraud. Press Release DFPI Orders Coinme to Provide $175,000 in Consumer Refunds Feb 17, 2026 The DFPI today announced that it has ordered Coinme, one of the largest crypto kiosk operators in the state, to refund an additional $175,000 to California consumers who were unlawfully overcharged. Monthly Bulletin Monthly Bulletin – April 2026 Apr 1, 2026 CCFPL Turns Five: A Look at Its Impact Report Cybersecurity Incidents to the DFPI WhatsApp Group Posing as Licensed Adviser