California Attorney General Xavier Becerra

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8" ?><rss version="2.0" xml:base="https://oag.ca.gov/news" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:og="http://ogp.me/ns#" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:foaf="http://xmlns.com/foaf/0.1/" xmlns:rdfs="http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#" xmlns:sioc="http://rdfs.org/sioc/ns#" xmlns:sioct="http://rdfs.org/sioc/types#" xmlns:skos="http://www.w3.org/2004/02/skos/core#" xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#"> <channel> <title>California Attorney General Xavier Becerra - Press Releases</title> <link>https://oag.ca.gov/news</link> <description></description> <language>en</language> <atom:link href="https://oag.ca.gov/news/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <item> <title>Attorney General Bonta Announces Additional Monitoring, Strengthened Protections for Youth in Los Angeles County Juvenile Halls</title> <link>https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-announces-additional-monitoring-strengthened-protections</link> <description><div class="field field-name-field-release-date field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span property="dc:date" datatype="xsd:dateTime" content="2024-11-19T00:00:00-08:00" class="date-display-single">November 19, 2024</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-contact field-type-list-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p align="center"><em>Amended judgment to address serious ongoing deficiencies in the treatment and conditions of youth at Barry J. Nidorf and Los Padrinos Juvenile Halls</em></p> <p><b>OAKLAND</b> – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today filed a joint motion with the County of Los Angeles to amend the court judgment addressing conditions in the County’s juvenile halls following the County’s failure to improve conditions and provide adequate staffing as required under <a href="https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-becerra-los-angeles-county-enter-groundbreaking-settlements" target="_blank" title="https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-becerra-los-angeles-county-enter-groundbreaking-settlements">an earlier settlement</a> and a <a href="https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-applauds-court-decision-granting-enforcement-action" target="_blank" title="https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-applauds-court-decision-granting-enforcement-action">court order enforcing that settlement</a> last year. Following alarming reports from an independent monitor about the continued deterioration of conditions at Barry J. Nidorf Secure Youth Treatment Facility and Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall, Attorney General Bonta determined additional judgment terms and monitoring were necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of youth at these facilities. The amended judgment, which is subject to court approval, will require additional policy and practice changes, staffing, and training to address the illegal and unsafe conditions at these facilities, and will strengthen and extend the monitoring and reporting requirements to ensure the County’s full compliance with the judgment.</p> <p>“The County of Los Angeles is responsible for safeguarding the safety and well-being of the children at its juvenile halls – and it has utterly failed in this responsibility to date,” <b>said Attorney General Bonta. </b>“These new terms will strengthen oversight and accountability, and lead to necessary and overdue improvement to conditions at these facilities. As the state’s chief law enforcement officer, I take my responsibility seriously, and I know that we won’t break the cycle of incarceration without ensuring the education, healing, and rehabilitation of those involved in the juvenile justice system. I am hopeful that this new, expanded agreement will address persistent problems at these juvenile halls, but my office will be watching closely and ready to take further action if needed.”</p> <p>Last year, Attorney General Bonta sought and secured a motion to enforce various provisions of the judgment. However, following some initial progress, the monitor again began to raise the alarm over multiple serious threats to youth safety including the County’s failure to adequately staff the juvenile halls; to stem the flow of drugs; to prevent staff from instigating or encouraging youth-on-youth assaults; to deliver youth to medical appointments; to prevent retaliation against youth who file grievances; and to ensure cameras are installed in all areas and that video footage is reviewed, among other concerns. </p> <p>As part of the amended judgment, filed today in Los Angeles Superior Court, the County of Los Angeles will be subject to the following additional terms:</p> <ul> <li><b>Strengthening Monitoring and Accountability:</b> The judgment maintains semi-annual comprehensive monitoring reports, and now requires the reports to be publicly filed with the court. In addition, the judgment requires monthly monitoring reports on critical health and safety issues. The judgment provides for the appointment of a deputy monitor at each facility in the event that the County fails to come into compliance with critical judgment terms.</li> <li><b>Ensuring Youth Safety and Wellbeing:</b> The judgment will require the County to ensure timely review of uses of force, address gaps in camera coverage, and establish protocols to review incidents.</li> <li><b>Guaranteeing Access to Services:</b> The judgment will require the County to implement an electronic data system to help ensure that youth have access to outside recreation, religious services, and visitation. The judgment will also require the County to implement a plan to address the County’s persistent failure to timely deliver youth to medical appointments.</li> <li><b>Addressing the Staffing Crisis:</b> The judgment requires the County to implement a revised plan to resolve the staffing crisis that addresses required minimum staffing levels based on facility population, leave abuses, and staff recruitment, retention, and wellness. </li> <li><b>Preventing Retaliation:</b> The judgment requires the County to establish a monitor-approved anti-retaliation policy, and hire and train an ombudsperson at each hall to address youth grievances and prevent retaliation.</li> <li><b>Revising Inadequate Polices:</b> The judgment requires the County to revise inadequate policies on: (1) reducing violence, including staff instigated violence and ensuring timely and adequate investigations; and (2) reporting child abuse.</li> </ul> <p>Attorney General Bonta is committed to protecting the rights of youth in California and across the country. As part of those efforts, he has fought to foster <a href="https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-superior-courts-final-ruling-against-chino-valleys-forced" target="_blank" title="https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-superior-courts-final-ruling-against-chino-valleys-forced">safe and inclusive school environments</a>, <a href="https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-joins-multistate-fight-protect-lgbtq-youth-and-children" target="_blank" title="https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-joins-multistate-fight-protect-lgbtq-youth-and-children">defended the rights of LGBTQ youth</a>, and <a href="https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-and-governor-newsom-demand-answers-temecula-school-board" target="_blank" title="https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-and-governor-newsom-demand-answers-temecula-school-board">pushed our schools to provide an inclusive curriculum</a> that reflects the diversity of our state and nation. Attorney General Bonta has also worked to address critical and system shortfalls within schools districts to prevent discrimination, harassment, and abuse, including a <a href="https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-announces-stipulated-judgment-redlands-unified-school" target="_blank" title="https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-announces-stipulated-judgment-redlands-unified-school">recent judgment with the Redlands Unified School District</a> to address failures in their response to allegations and complaints of sexual harassment, assault, and abuse of students. You can learn more about the Attorney General’s work to protect the rights of youth through the Bureau of Children’s Justice at <a href="https://oag.ca.gov/bcj" target="_blank" title="https://oag.ca.gov/bcj">oag.ca.gov/bcj</a>. </p> <p>Attorney General Bonta encourages those with information regarding suspected practices violating state or federal law involving children to report them through the California Department of Justice's online complaint form at <a href="https://oag.ca.gov/bcj/complaint" target="_blank" title="https://oag.ca.gov/bcj/complaint">oag.ca.gov/bcj/complaint</a>.</p> <p>A copy of the proposed order to amend the stipulated judgment is available <a href="https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/attachments/press-docs/Proposed%20Order_1.pdf">here</a>. </p> </div></div></div></description> <pubDate>Tue, 19 Nov 2024 16:52:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Office of the Attorney General</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="false">595075 at https://oag.ca.gov</guid> </item> <item> <title>PUBLIC MEETING TOMORROW: RIPA Board to Discuss Updates and Hear Public Comment</title> <link>https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/public-meeting-tomorrow-ripa-board-discuss-updates-and-hear-public-comment</link> <description><div class="field field-name-field-release-date field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span property="dc:date" datatype="xsd:dateTime" content="2024-11-18T00:00:00-08:00" class="date-display-single">November 18, 2024</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-contact field-type-list-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><b>OAKLAND </b>– The Racial and Identity Profiling Advisory (RIPA) Board was created pursuant to Assembly Bill 953 “for the purpose of eliminating racial and identity profiling, and improving diversity and racial and identity sensitivity in law enforcement.” The RIPA Board will hold its final meeting of the year TOMORROW, November 19, 2024. The meeting agenda and location can be found <a href="https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/media/ripa-notice-agenda-11192024.pdf" title="https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/media/ripa-notice-agenda-10162024.pdf" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-outlook-id="da2b2ae3-2f89-4c4c-892a-eb460abcea64">here</a>. More information on the RIPA Board is available <a href="https://oag.ca.gov/ab953/board" title="https://oag.ca.gov/ab953/board" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-outlook-id="c60ba940-f2db-443f-ac15-4f3c23ce74e6">here</a>. </p> <p><b>WHO:</b><br /> California Racial and Identity Profiling Advisory Board </p> <p><b>WHEN:</b><br /> 12 PM – 4 PM PT<br /> Tuesday, November 19, 2024</p> <p><b>WHERE:</b><br /> Virtual Participation: <br /> <a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_OWFkZGZmOTItZjE5Yy00ZmY3LThhZjktNDI4OWEyYjM5MDky%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22883dc3c0-8ba7-4fe1-b5cd-c26645ef1d4a%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22b1bd39dc-fe03-42aa-9715-89d6e239ee94%22%7d" title="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NTNlNzg5NTAtMmY0Yy00NTg0LWI5NTgtMGZlY2NkMGFhNTY5%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22883dc3c0-8ba7-4fe1-b5cd-c26645ef1d4a%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2231d052f3-366d-4175-af2d-4573e3caaa79%22%7d" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-outlook-id="9b836e6f-2312-4c34-9cab-fdb671a8bd86">Join Meeting by Computer or Phone</a> </p> <p>Physical Location: <br /> California Department of Justice<br /> 1515 Clay Street <br /> 20th Floor, Ste. 2000 <br /> Oakland, California 94612</p> <p><b>NOTE:</b><br /> All RIPA meetings are open to the public. The meeting will begin at the designated time. Other times on the agenda are approximate and may vary as the business of the Board requires. For any questions about the Board meeting, please contact Noel Garcia, California Department of Justice, 1515 Clay Street, Suite 2000, Oakland, California 94612, <a href="mailto:ab953@doj.ca.gov" title="mailto:ab953@doj.ca.gov" data-outlook-id="6d35e65f-45f1-44f9-9ae3-933caa507681">ab953@doj.ca.gov</a> or 510-879-1004. </p> </div></div></div></description> <pubDate>Mon, 18 Nov 2024 22:09:23 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Office of the Attorney General</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="false">595058 at https://oag.ca.gov</guid> </item> <item> <title>Attorney General Bonta Issues Statement on Latest Development Regarding Huntington Beach’s Unlawful Voter ID Policy</title> <link>https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-issues-statement-latest-development-regarding-huntington</link> <description><div class="field field-name-field-release-date field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span property="dc:date" datatype="xsd:dateTime" content="2024-11-17T00:00:00-08:00" class="date-display-single">November 17, 2024</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-contact field-type-list-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><b>OAKLAND </b>— California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a statement in response to the Orange County Superior Court’s recent decision regarding Huntington Beach’s unlawful voter identification (voter ID) law, Measure A. Measure A amended the city’s charter to purportedly allow the city to impose voter ID requirements at the polls for all municipal elections starting in 2026.</p> <p>“Under both existing law and Senate Bill 1174, all local governments — including charter cities like Huntington Beach — are prohibited from disenfranchising voters at the polls by implementing voter ID requirements,” <b>said Attorney General Bonta</b>. “Let me be clear: that has not changed. We disagree with the court’s decision that it is too early to bring our lawsuit, and remain confident in the strength of our case.”</p> <p>Filed by Attorney General Bonta and Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D. on April 15, 2024, the <a href="https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-secretary-state-weber-file-lawsuit-against-huntington" title="https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-secretary-state-weber-file-lawsuit-against-huntington">state’s lawsuit</a> alleges that Measure A unlawfully conflicts with and is preempted by state law. Under the California Constitution, charter cities have the right to govern “municipal affairs,” but local law cannot conflict with state law governing a “statewide concern.” The state asserts that both the integrity of California’s elections and the protection of the constitutional right to vote are matters of statewide concern.</p> <p>Authored by Senator Dave Min (D-Irvine) and recently enacted by the Legislature, <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240SB1174" title="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240SB1174">Senate Bill 1174</a> reinforces existing prohibitions on local voter ID laws. </p> <p>A copy of the court’s decision can be found <a href="https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/attachments/press-docs/Court%27s%20Decision.pdf"><b>here</b></a>. The decision allows the Attorney General and Secretary of State 20 days to file an amended petition.</p> </div></div></div></description> <pubDate>Sun, 17 Nov 2024 16:08:40 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Office of the Attorney General</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="false">595007 at https://oag.ca.gov</guid> </item> <item> <title>Attorney General Bonta Secures Grand Jury Indictment Against 14 Defendants in $3.6 Million Mortgage Fraud Scheme</title> <link>https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-secures-grand-jury-indictment-against-14-defendants-36</link> <description><div class="field field-name-field-release-date field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span property="dc:date" datatype="xsd:dateTime" content="2024-11-15T00:00:00-08:00" class="date-display-single">November 15, 2024</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-contact field-type-list-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><b>LOS ANGELES</b> – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the unsealing of a grand jury indictment against the owners of three mortgage brokerage firms and 11 affiliates in a mortgage fraud scheme. Fraudulent loan applications and financial documentation were allegedly used to obtain eight loans totaling $3.69 million. The fraudulent loans were then used by unsuspecting borrowers to purchase properties located in the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, and San Diego. 13 of the 14 total Defendants appeared today in Los Angeles County Superior Court. 10 Defendants were arraigned on charges including mortgage fraud, receiving proceeds of mortgage fraud and grand theft and plead not guilty. The remaining defendants will be arraigned at a later date.</p> <p>“Those who try to scam, defraud, or cheat Californians will be brought to justice,” <b>said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “</b>Today, due to the hard work of our legal team and federal partners we're holding these scammers accountable for their crimes. Those who cheat the system and exploit the dream of homeownership to line their own pockets will be held responsible.”</p> <p>“Criminal acts of mail fraud, like those committed by First Republic Mortgage, not only taint the landscape of financial lending but it also put families at risk by potentially leaving them with unmanageable debt or financial hardship,” <b>said Los Angeles Division Inspector in Charge, Matt Shields.</b> “The US Postal Inspection Service, along with our state and federal law enforcement partners, will continue to protect consumers from these deceptive schemes used by those involved to profit from these mail fraud related crimes.”</p> <p>The indictment charges the owner of First Republic Mortgage, the owner of 1st Fidelity Home Loans, and the owner of Coastline Properties, with allowing their associates to misuse their mortgage broker licenses to fraudulently secure home mortgage loans. Additionally, a defendant is accused of originating fraudulent loans by leveraging the licenses of owners for both First Republic Mortgage and Coastline Properties, while managing the operation from an office in Riverside. Furthermore, an escrow agent for 1st Fidelity Escrow is alleged to have used the license of 1st Fidelity Home Loans’ owner to facilitate fraudulent loans. The indictment also includes charges against various associates of these companies, along with several related real estate agents. </p> <p>The California Attorney General’s Office joined various federal agencies, including the Federal Housing Finance Agency-Office of the Inspector General (“OIG”), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-OIG, and the United States Postal Inspection Service to investigate numerous mortgages originated by First Republic Mortgage, 1st Fidelity Home Loans, and Coastline Properties.</p> <p>The investigation uncovered that the mortgage brokerages engaged in fraudulent activities against lenders during the origination of home loans. Some of the defendants are alleged to have submitted loan applications that contained inaccurate information regarding their clients' income, employment details, and, in certain cases, divorce documentation. Additionally, the firms provided lenders with falsified documents, including pay stubs, W-2 forms, alimony checks, and child support payments, in an effort to mislead lending institutions into approving and issuing mortgage loans. Some of the defendants profited from loan origination fees and other commissions derived from these home loans, which would not have been approved had the true information been disclosed. Clients placed their trust in the Defendants to secure a home loan, only to find themselves burdened with unexpectedly high mortgage payments and inaccurate documentation.</p> <p>The Special Prosecutions Section of the California Department of Justice is prosecuting the case. DOJ’s Special Prosecution Section investigates and prosecutes complex criminal cases occurring in California, primarily related to financial, securities, mortgage, and environmental fraud; public corruption, including violations of California’s Political Reform Act; “underground economy” offenses, including tax and revenue fraud and counterfeiting; and human trafficking. Vertical teams of prosecutors, investigators, auditors, and paralegals often work with federal and local authorities on cases involving multi-jurisdictional criminal activity.</p> <p> A copy of the indictment can be found <a href="https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/attachments/press-docs/Indictment%20%28Redacted%29.pdf">here</a>.<br /> <em>It is important to note that every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.</em><br /> </p> </div></div></div></description> <pubDate>Fri, 15 Nov 2024 21:22:50 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Office of the Attorney General</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="false">594955 at https://oag.ca.gov</guid> </item> <item> <title>Attorney General Bonta: Operation Royal Flush Dubbed a Success with 77 Arrests, 32 Guns Seized and Three Homicides Solved</title> <link>https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-operation-royal-flush-dubbed-success-77-arrests-32-guns</link> <description><div class="field field-name-field-release-date field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span property="dc:date" datatype="xsd:dateTime" content="2024-11-14T00:00:00-08:00" class="date-display-single">November 14, 2024</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-contact field-type-list-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><b>FRESNO</b> – California Attorney General Bonta together with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies today announced the results of Operation Royal Flush. The focus of the operation was to reduce the ongoing violent crime plaguing communities in Kings County and to solve several homicides believed to have been committed by criminal street gang members. This joint operation began in September of 2024 and to date, 77 arrests have been made, 32 firearms have been seized, 52 search warrants have been served, 77 arrest warrants have been served and 8 violent crimes have been prevented. </p> <p>“Throughout the state, the California Department of Justice and our allied partners are working together to prevent violent crime carried out by criminal street gangs in our communities,” <b>said Attorney General Bonta.</b> “Our joint efforts up and down the Golden State have led to hundreds of arrests, the solving of numerous homicides, and the confiscation of thousands of firearms, a staggering amount of drugs, and a sizable amount of cash. These actions serve as a powerful reminder that we stand firm against violent crime in our state. I extend my gratitude to our teams and law enforcement partners statewide. Their crucial and challenging work is saving countless lives.”</p> <p>In the summer of 2023, Kings County Major Crimes Task Force (KCMCTF) agents noticed an increasing number of gang-related violent crimes being committed in Kings County. Members of the task force began investigating these crimes and saw almost daily acts of violence were being committed by Norteño criminal street gang members in various jurisdictions throughout the county. In July of 2024, the KCMCTF requested assistance from the California Department of Justice’s Special Operations Unit (SOU) with an investigation into numerous violent crimes.</p> <p>During the thorough investigation, sufficient evidence was gathered to arrest and charge 14 suspects for their involvement in three homicides that occurred in Avenal, Corcoran, and Kettleman City. Two of the homicide victims were targeted attacks by the Norteño gang and the third victim was a bystander who lost their life in a random act of gang violence.</p> <p>This joint operation was led by the Kings County Major Crimes Task Force and the California Department of Justice’s Special Operations Unit, and supported by the California Department of Justice’s High Impact Investigation Team-Central Valley High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, California Department of Corrections &amp; Rehabilitation, California Highway Patrol, Corcoran Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Kings County District Attorney’s Office, Kings County Sheriff’s Office, Kings County Probation Department, and Lemoore Police Department. </p> <p>The California Department of Justice is hiring. Visit <a href="https://oag.ca.gov/careers" target="_blank" id="OWA5fbc8e2d-ab10-185d-1e6c-4453fa87b357" class="OWAAutoLink" title="https://oag.ca.gov/careers">oag.ca.gov/careers</a> to view available positions and learn how you can help DOJ protect the health, well-being, and public safety of Californians.</p> </div></div></div></description> <pubDate>Thu, 14 Nov 2024 16:25:44 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Office of the Attorney General</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="false">594835 at https://oag.ca.gov</guid> </item> <item> <title>Attorney General Bonta Supports Strengthening Robocall Regulations</title> <link>https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-supports-strengthening-robocall-regulations</link> <description><div class="field field-name-field-release-date field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span property="dc:date" datatype="xsd:dateTime" content="2024-11-14T00:00:00-08:00" class="date-display-single">November 14, 2024</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-contact field-type-list-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><em>Continues work to protect consumers from unwanted robocalls</em></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b>OAKLAND —</b> California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined a bipartisan coalition of 47 attorneys general in submitting a comment letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in support of its proposed rules designed to protect consumers from illegal robocalls by increasing the effectiveness of the FCC’s Robocall Mitigation Database. The FCC currently requires all voice-service providers operating in the U.S. to provide this public FCC database with information regarding their caller-ID authentication system and a detailed robocall-mitigation plan to minimize illegal call traffic. The proposed FCC rules would strengthen these filing requirements and increase penalties for noncompliance. In the letter, the attorneys general argue that these proposals aimed at increasing accountability and accuracy among filers are necessary for the database to remain an effective tool in the fight against unwanted robocalls.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">“Robocalls are not only annoying, they can also facilitate scams that result in real financial losses for Californians. This is a nationwide problem, and we need nationwide solutions,” <b>said Attorney General Bonta.</b> “The Robocall Mitigation Database is an essential resource to combat illegal robocalls and should treated as more than just a formality. I am proud to join this bipartisan effort to ensure the tools in our toolbox remain effective in fighting robocalls and protecting consumers.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Robocall Mitigation Database is an anti-robocall public database tool created by the FCC. The FCC proposal aims to make reporting information to the database — and the database itself — more effective by implementing policies to identify deficient filings, requiring the correction of flawed filings, and enforcing consequences for filings that are, false, incomplete, or misleading. In the letter, the attorneys general express support for the proposal and recognize it as an important continuation of bipartisan work to protect consumers from illegal and fraudulent robocall traffic. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Attorney General Bonta is committed to enforcing consumer protections in the state of California and speaking out for consumer protections nationwide, including working to put a stop to illegal robocalls. Attorney General Bonta is part of the Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force, a task force of 51 bipartisan attorneys general who investigate and take legal action against those responsible for routing significant volumes of illegal robocall traffic into and across the United States. </p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal"> Last month, Attorney General Bonta <a href="https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-issues-warning-company-facilitating-illegal-robocalls" target="_blank" title="https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-issues-warning-company-facilitating-illegal-robocalls">issued a warning letter</a> to a telecom company responsible for transmitting suspected illegal robocall traffic, including robocalls that impersonated government officials.</li> <li class="MsoNormal"> In February, Attorney General Bonta joined a coalition of 51 bipartisan attorneys general in <a href="https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-using-robocalls-spread-disinformation-unacceptable" target="_blank" title="https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-using-robocalls-spread-disinformation-unacceptable">issuing a warning letter</a> to a company that allegedly sent New Hampshire residents scam election robocalls during the New Hampshire primary election. </li> <li class="MsoNormal">In January, Attorney General Bonta filed <a href="https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-advocates-consumer-protections-against-ai-generated" target="_blank" title="https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-advocates-consumer-protections-against-ai-generated">a comment letter</a> responding to the FCC related to the potential impact of emerging artificial intelligence technology on efforts to protect consumers from illegal robocalls and robotexts.</li> <li class="MsoNormal">In May 2023, Attorney General Bonta, as part of a bipartisan coalition of 49 attorneys general, <a href="https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-announces-lawsuit-against-telecommunications-company-over" target="_blank" title="https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-announces-lawsuit-against-telecommunications-company-over">announced a lawsuit</a> against Avid Telecom for allegedly initiating and facilitating billions of unlawful robocalls that included Social Security Administration scams, Medicare scams, and employment scams.</li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal">In sending today’s letter, Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of North Carolina, Illinois, Ohio, Arkansas, Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and the District of Columbia.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">A copy of the comment letter is available <a href="https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/attachments/press-docs/Robocall%20Database.pdf">here</a>. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-news-release-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/new-press-categories/consumer-protection" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Consumer Protection</a></div></div></div></description> <pubDate>Thu, 14 Nov 2024 17:39:54 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Office of the Attorney General</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="false">594846 at https://oag.ca.gov</guid> </item> <item> <title>Attorney General Bonta Files Amicus Brief in Defense of Federal Prohibition on Non-Compete Agreements</title> <link>https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-files-amicus-brief-defense-federal-prohibition-non</link> <description><div class="field field-name-field-release-date field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span property="dc:date" datatype="xsd:dateTime" content="2024-11-13T00:00:00-08:00" class="date-display-single">November 13, 2024</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-contact field-type-list-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><b>OAKLAND </b>– California Attorney General Rob Bonta, as part of a coalition of 17 attorneys general, filed an amicus brief in defense of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) prohibition on the use of most non-compete agreements. Non-compete agreements are contractual agreements, typically signed at the behest of an employer, that prevent employees from working for a competitor or starting their own business within an industry. These agreements often constrain wage growth and limit job mobility, particularly among workers who are not in a position to negotiate. In April 2024, with support from Attorney General Bonta and a multistate coalition, the FTC finalized a nationwide rule prohibiting employers from entering into or enforcing these agreements in most cases. The rule was subsequently challenged by a real estate brokerage in Florida. </p> <p>“California has some of the strongest worker protections in the country, and we believe all workers have the right to choose the job and employer that is best for them,” <b>said Attorney General Bonta</b>. “The federal prohibition on the use of non-competes allows workers the opportunity to seek better wages and career opportunities by finding new employment within their industry. This rule will promote innovation, competition, and better working conditions – and we believe it’s on firm legal ground.”</p> <p>Although California has prohibited the use of non-compete agreements by employers since the 1800s, these agreements have proliferated at a national level. Studies show that an estimated 18% of American workers are bound by non-compete agreements, and 38% have agreed to one in the past, usually because an employer insisted on them. In today’s amicus brief, Attorney General Bonta and a multistate coalition argue that the rule will provide a uniform and predictable national floor of protections that will benefit workers; foster greater innovation, entrepreneurship, and competition in critical industries, including the healthcare industry; and provide important consistency for workers and employers operating in multi-state labor markets. </p> <p>Attorney General Bonta is dedicated to upholding workers' rights and combating unfair labor practices. This year, Attorney General Bonta <a href="https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-issues-consumer-alert-reminding-california-workers-their" target="_blank" title="https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-issues-consumer-alert-reminding-california-workers-their">issued a consumer alert</a> reminding California workers of new and existing worker protections; defended wages and overtime owed in the <a href="https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-files-lawsuit-against-southern-california-construction" target="_blank" title="https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-files-lawsuit-against-southern-california-construction">West Coast Drywall Lawsuit</a>; and <a href="https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-holds-contractor-liable-unpaid-overtime-and-back-payroll" target="_blank" title="https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-holds-contractor-liable-unpaid-overtime-and-back-payroll">secured a settlement with Amalfi Stone &amp; Masonry Company, Inc.</a>, resolving allegations of unfair competition and payroll tax, and labor violations. In 2023, Attorney General Bonta took action to protect workers by launching a historic investigation into gender discrimination in the <a href="https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorneys-general-bonta-and-james-launch-investigation-national-football-league" target="_blank" title="https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorneys-general-bonta-and-james-launch-investigation-national-football-league">National Football League</a>, joining 17 attorneys general in supporting the Federal Trade Commission’s <a href="https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-joins-multistate-coalition-supporting-federal-trade" target="_blank" title="https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-joins-multistate-coalition-supporting-federal-trade">proposed rule limiting non-compete agreements</a>, launching a legal fight for <a href="https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-strikes-wage-theft-launches-legal-fight-home-care-workers" target="_blank" title="https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-strikes-wage-theft-launches-legal-fight-home-care-workers">in-home-healthcare workers</a>, and fighting for the rights of <a href="https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-joins-multistate-amicus-brief-supporting-transportation" target="_blank" title="https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-joins-multistate-amicus-brief-supporting-transportation">transportation workers</a> and <a href="https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-leads-multistate-coalition-seeking-enhancements" target="_blank" title="https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-leads-multistate-coalition-seeking-enhancements">immigrant children</a>.</p> <p>Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of New Jersey, the District of Columbia, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Washington in filing the brief.</p> <p>A copy of the brief can be found <a href="https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/attachments/press-docs/POV%20v.%20FTC_Noncompete%20Multistate%20Amicus%20Brief_CA11_AS%20FILED.pdf">here</a>.</p> </div></div></div></description> <pubDate>Tue, 12 Nov 2024 15:22:06 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Office of the Attorney General</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="false">594725 at https://oag.ca.gov</guid> </item> <item> <title>Puppy Buyers Beware: Attorney General Bonta Issues Consumer Alert on Cruel Puppy Market Schemes</title> <link>https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/puppy-buyers-beware-attorney-general-bonta-issues-consumer-alert-cruel-puppy</link> <description><div class="field field-name-field-release-date field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span property="dc:date" datatype="xsd:dateTime" content="2024-11-12T00:00:00-08:00" class="date-display-single">November 12, 2024</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-contact field-type-list-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p align="center"><em>Schemes to sell sick puppies leave new owners with high vet bills and anguish</em></p> <p><b>OAKLAND</b> — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today urged consumers looking to purchase pets to be vigilant for deceptive and criminal breeders. These breeders often subject animals to unhygienic and cruel living conditions, leading to poor health outcomes for pets and high veterinary bills and heartache for new owners. <a href="https://www.humanesociety.org/puppy-mill-research" target="_blank">Puppy mills</a> are commercial dog breeding facilities that disregard dogs' health and safety to maximize profits. Deceptive breeders will often advertise puppies as having been born to a litter in the breeder’s home when in reality, puppies are born in puppy mills.</p> <p>“I adopted my dogs, Luna and Solí, from a shelter, and they have become deeply cherished members of our family. While I highly encourage Californians to adopt their pets from animal shelters and rescue organizations, consumers who continue to purchase their dogs from breeders should ensure the person they are buying from is responsible, honest, and credible,” <b>said Attorney General Rob Bonta.</b> “Tragically and too often, shady breeders only interested in making a profit sell chronically sick, injured, and mistreated puppies to unsuspecting consumers. This is sickening. I urge Californians to be vigilant and watch out for negligent breeders.” </p> <p>"Consumers greatly underestimate the variety and selection of beautiful, healthy, friendly pets they can find in shelters statewide, and we strongly urge them to check with their local shelters first when ready for a new pet," <b>said Jill Tucker, CEO of the California Animal Welfare Association.</b> "Shelters throughout California are inundated with wonderful puppies, kittens, and adult animals that are ready for new homes, along with knowledgeable staff and volunteers that will help them select the right match. There has never been a better time to adopt."</p> <p><b>Know What to Look For:</b></p> <p>A reputable breeder should meet you in person — not sell their puppies or kittens through pet stores or online to people they have not met. They will show you records and openly share details about how the animal was born and raised, individual records of health tests and veterinary records for the animal and their parents, and the animals’ living conditions. Be suspicious if a breeder doesn't ask you questions or seem concerned about the well-being of their animals. Responsible breeders will want you to sign a contract and will ask you to return the pet to them if you are ever unable to keep them.</p> <p>Deceitful sellers may understand you want to take precautions and try to persuade you that it’s not necessary. The California Department of Justice urges consumers who obtain their pets from breeders to do the following:</p> <ul type="disc"> <li><b>Get a referral and ask for references.</b> Ask your veterinarian, trusted friends, local breed clubs, and professional dog or cat shows to find a reputable breeder. Ask breeders for references, including those of the veterinarians they use.</li> <li><b>Visit the breeder’s home.</b> Be sure the animals’ living conditions are clean and humane. Ask to see the animal’s parents and the nursery area yourself. Never buy a puppy or kitten without visiting where they and their parents were raised and housed—don’t just trust papers and pictures.</li> <li><b>Be wary of a seller who sells animals from a parking lot or other location other than their home.</b> Some scammers use this tactic and then disappear, leaving new owners stuck with large veterinary bills and heartache. Scammers often resell puppies from puppy mills and make up stories for sympathy.</li> <li><b>Ask the seller lots of questions and verify their official identification</b>. Make sure the breeder is responsible. Many responsible breeders often rigorously evaluate buyers. Credible breeders often belong to purebred animal breeding clubs and demonstrate high ethical values regarding the breeding of animals. Make sure to ask lots of questions about the pet’s history, temperament, and other important information.</li> <li><b>Make sure the animal has been examined by a veterinarian.</b> Get copies of all medical records, and confirm the records with the vet directly—if medical records are missing, that is a red flag. Make sure the animal is vaccinated—unvaccinated puppies and kittens may have already contracted a serious disease.</li> <li><b>Pay with a traceable form of payment rather than cash and ask for a receipt.</b> The receipt should include the seller’s name, address, and license number — a seller who only accepts cash or won’t provide a receipt is not a reputable seller.</li> <li><b>Insist on a written guarantee of good health and find out if the animal can be returned for any reason.</b> A seller who agrees to provide a written health guarantee and to accept return of the animal is more likely to care about the animal and have their best interest in mind.</li> <li><b>Be wary if the puppy or kitten seems ill, depressed, or lethargic</b>. These could be signs of serious medical problems.</li> <li><b>Take your new pet to your vet.</b> Ensure your new pet undergoes an exam and any necessary vaccinations as soon as possible.</li> </ul> <p><b>Understand Your Rights:</b></p> <p>California law allows select small breeders and pet retailers to sell pets if they maintain health and safety standards for their animals and provides for a remedy for consumers who unknowingly purchase sick pets.</p> <p>The Lockyer-Polanco-Farr Pet Protection Act <a href="https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/health-and-safety-code/hsc-sect-122125/" target="_blank">(CA Health &amp; Safety Code § 122125 et seq.)</a></p> <p>Pet retailers selling more than 50 dogs or cats a year to must have a permit, maintain health and safety standards for their animals, sell only healthy animals, and provide written spay-neuter, health, and animal history disclosures to pet buyers.</p> <p>If a dog or cat becomes ill due to a pre-existing illness within 15 days from purchase, or if the pet is adversely affected by a congenital or hereditary condition within one year from purchase, the seller must offer the owner a refund, exchange another puppy or kitten, or reimbursement of veterinary bills up to 150% of the pet’s purchase price. </p> <p>The Polanco-Lockyer Pet Breeder Warranty Act <a href="https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/health-and-safety-code/hsc-sect-122045/" target="_blank">(CA Health &amp; Safety Code § 122045 et seq.)</a></p> <p>The law offers protection similar to that of the Lockyer-Polanco-Farr Pet Protection Act except that it applies only to dog breeders who sold or gave away either three litters or 20 dogs in the previous year.</p> <p><a href="https://legiscan.com/CA/text/AB485/id/1646850" target="_blank">AB 485</a> </p> <p>AB 485, which went into effect in January 2019, prohibits pet store operators from selling animals unless they were obtained from a public animal control agency, shelter, or animal rescue group. This law does not prohibit someone from obtaining an animal directly from a breeder.</p> <p><b>Helpful Resources:</b></p> <p>If you are concerned about a possible puppy mill in your area, please file a complaint with The Humane Society, <a href="https://www.humanesociety.org/forms/report-puppy-mill" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> <p>If you suspect criminal conduct related to a puppy mill or breeder, please file a complaint with your local <a href="https://www.cdaa.org/about-us/list-of-district-attorney-offices-by-county" target="_blank">District Attorney's Office</a>. You may also file a complaint with our office at <a href="https://oag.ca.gov/contact/consumer-complaint-against-business-or-company" target="_blank">oag.ca.gov/report</a>.</p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-news-release-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/new-press-categories/consumer-alerts" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Consumer Alerts</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/new-press-categories/consumer-protection" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Consumer Protection</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1028" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Criminal Division</a></div></div></div></description> <pubDate>Tue, 12 Nov 2024 16:49:13 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Office of the Attorney General</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="false">594732 at https://oag.ca.gov</guid> </item> <item> <title>Ahead of Veterans Day, Attorney General Bonta Issues Consumer Alert on Scams Targeting Veterans</title> <link>https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/ahead-veterans-day-attorney-general-bonta-issues-consumer-alert-scams-targeting</link> <description><div class="field field-name-field-release-date field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span property="dc:date" datatype="xsd:dateTime" content="2024-11-08T00:00:00-08:00" class="date-display-single">November 8, 2024</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-contact field-type-list-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><b>OAKLAND </b>– Ahead of Veterans Day, California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a consumer alert warning veterans and their families to be aware of scams and fraud, including fraud perpetrated by predatory individuals or companies who exploit veterans seeking assistance accessing their benefits. Unaccredited claims representatives, sometimes referred to as “claim sharks,” often promise a faster claims process or guaranteed benefit increases. These individuals or companies are not accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and operate beyond the protections and oversight of official VA regulations and their claims system.</p> <p>“On Veterans Day, and on all days, we recognize the significant sacrifices and contributions of veterans. As part of our efforts to protect those that have protected us, today’s consumer alert raises awareness on those who exploit veterans, especially veterans requiring assistance with their benefits claims,” <b>said Attorney General Rob Bonta.</b> “I urge Californians to seek assistance from reliable and accredited channels to minimize the risk of falling victim to predatory practices.” </p> <p>“CalVet, in partnership with California Attorney General Bonta’s office, work every day to ensure that our veterans and their families are protected from benefits scams and have the correct information about where to go for assistance,” <b>said CalVet Secretary Lindsey Sin.</b> “During Veterans Day and all year long, we’ll work to ensure that our veterans are the most connected, protected and respected in the nation.”</p> <p><b>Receiving Reliable Assistance</b></p> <p>California veterans requiring assistance with initial benefits claims can receive free support from their <a href="https://www.calvet.ca.gov/VetServices/Pages/CVSO-Locations.aspx" target="_blank">local county veteran service office</a> or from another <a href="https://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp" target="_blank">VA-accredited representative</a>. Accredited representatives — <a href="https://www.va.gov/ogc/accreditation.asp" target="_blank">including attorneys and claims agents</a> certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — have passed exams, undergone background checks, and completed ongoing training to ensure they can assist veterans. If they do not uphold legal standards when representing veterans, these professionals can face penalties, including losing their accreditation. By contrast, unaccredited claims representatives may provide substandard assistance and often charge high fees or may even be committing outright fraud.</p> <p><b>Common Scams Targeting Veterans</b></p> <p>Whether it is a scammer pretending to be from the VA, or using veterans service organization seals to gain your trust, protect yourself by staying up to date on common scams targeting veterans:</p> <ul type="disc"> <li><b>Home Loan Scams:</b> Be aware of scammers that — through phone calls or mailers — claim to be affiliated with the government, VA, or your mortgage servicer. These fraudsters may attempt to convince you to agree to loan modifications, refinance your home, or make payments to your loans via untraceable money orders or gift cards. Be cautious of any individual or lender that: contacts you and asks you to pay fees upfront before receiving any services; tells you to cancel your mortgage payment and resend the funds elsewhere; tells you to make payments to someone other than your current loan servicer; or pressures you to sign papers you haven’t had a chance to read thoroughly or that you don’t understand — including asking you to sign over the title of your property. </li> </ul> <ul type="disc"> <li>Never give out personal information to a lender or servicer that contacts you out of the blue. If you are feeling unsure, hang up and call your loan servicer directly at the number that is listed on your mortgage statement. Report suspicious activity to the California Attorney General at <a href="https://oag.ca.gov/report" target="_blank">oag.ca.gov/report</a> and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/" target="_blank">reportfraud.ftc.gov</a>.</li> <li><b>Identity Theft and Fraud:</b> Some scammers will pretend to be from the Department of Defense, VA, or other official organizations to get your personal information so that they can commit identity theft or fraud. Before you provide any information, always make sure a request is coming from an official organization by doing a quick search on the internet. Never trust the contact information given by the person that is asking for your personal information, as scammers often give out fake contact information. Be wary of letters and emails that have misspellings, look unprofessional, or sends you to a non-government website for information or action, as these are almost always fake. Never give out your Social Security number to get military or veteran discounts. </li> <li>In the event that your identity is stolen, put a fraud alert on your credit report by contacting the three main credit reporting agencies <a href="https://www.equifax.com/" target="_blank">Equifax</a>, <a href="https://www.experian.com/" target="_blank">Experian</a>, and <a href="https://www.transunion.com/?_gl=1*rd7u5w*_ga*MTU4Mzg3NzI3OS4xNjM2MDk0MzQw*_ga_6D2F5M2DQK*MTYzNjA5NDM0MC4xLjAuMTYzNjA5NDM0MC4w" target="_blank">TransUnion</a>, and consider requesting a credit freeze, which will make it difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name.<b> </b>Report identity theft right away and get a recovery plan at <a href="https://www.identitytheft.gov/" target="_blank">identitytheft.gov</a>. File a police report with your local sheriff or police department and keep a copy for your records.</li> <li><b>Pension Scams:</b> Veterans 65 and over are targeted by financial advisers persuading them to buy costly annuities, transfer their assets into trusts, or to pay unnecessary fees for help with a veteran’s pension application. These advisers claim to help veterans qualify for Aid and Attendance or other veteran’s benefits but may cause them to lose eligibility or access to pension or health benefits. Only the VA can award benefits. If you are interested in Aid and Attendance benefits, get free help from your County Veterans Service Office <a href="https://www.calvet.ca.gov/VetServices/pages/cvso-locations.aspx" target="_blank">here</a>.</li> <li><b>Affinity Fraud: </b>Some scammers pose as fellow veterans or service members in order to appear trustworthy. Companies may use military-sounding names, military or veterans service organization seals, or other patriotic symbols in order to gain your trust. They may also advertise in military newspapers or magazines, use pictures of service members, or hire salespeople with a military background. Don’t be pressured into buying anything before you have a chance to shop around and do your research.<br /> </li> <li><b>Predatory Schools:</b> The GI Bill and other military education programs offer veterans and their families a chance to attend school and further their education. Predatory schools often use high-pressure sales calls to try to get servicemembers and veterans to sign up. Always ask for information about the programs such as graduation rates, job placement and graduate salary information; take as much time as you need when making a decision. If a school can’t provide this basic information, they could be hiding something. For information on California’s public universities and community colleges, go to <a href="https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/" target="_blank">www.universityofcalifornia.edu</a>, <a href="https://www.calstate.edu/" target="_blank">www.calstate.edu</a>, or <a href="http://www.cccco.edu/" target="_blank">www.cccco.edu</a>.</li> </ul> <p>If you believe you have been the victim or target of a scam, immediately contact your local police department and file a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General here. For additional information on scams that target veterans, visit our website <a href="https://oag.ca.gov/consumers/general/military" target="_blank">here</a>. </p> </div></div></div></description> <pubDate>Fri, 08 Nov 2024 21:23:38 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Office of the Attorney General</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="false">594648 at https://oag.ca.gov</guid> </item> <item> <title>Attorney General Bonta: Felons Should Not Own Guns</title> <link>https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-felons-should-not-own-guns</link> <description><div class="field field-name-field-release-date field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span property="dc:date" datatype="xsd:dateTime" content="2024-11-08T00:00:00-08:00" class="date-display-single">November 8, 2024</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-contact field-type-list-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><b>OAKLAND</b> — California Attorney General Bonta today, as part of a coalition of 22 attorneys general, filed a brief with an en banc panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in support of the U.S. government’s defense of a federal law, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), which prohibits felons from possessing firearms. The case, <em>United States v. Duarte</em>, presents the question of whether federal law that prohibits the possession of firearms by individuals convicted of felonies violates the Second Amendment. The defendant in the case, Duarte, had previously been convicted of five separate California felonies when he was arrested for unlawfully possessing a gun under federal law.</p> <p>“It is commonsense that felons should not own nor have access to firearms,” <b>said Attorney General Bonta</b>. “States must maintain the ability to keep weapons out of the hands of individuals who have been proven beyond a reasonable doubt to have violated state and federal felony criminal laws. My office will always fight to protect Californians from gun violence.”</p> <p>Duarte was found guilty in the Central District of California for violating § 922(g)(1) after he discarded a handgun from a vehicle that was under police surveillance. However, a three-judge panel overturned this conviction, concluding that barring him from owning firearms violates Duarte’s Second Amendment rights. Duarte had five prior California felony convictions, including charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance, and two counts of evading law enforcement. He was characterized as a “nonviolent” offender by the panel, which held that Duarte’s particular prior offenses are "nonviolent" and not “of a nature serious enough to justify permanently depriving him of his fundamental Second Amendment rights.” </p> <p>The brief argues that the court should reject Duarte’s invitation to upend these longstanding laws on a case-by-case basis. Consistent with founding-era laws dispossessing persons convicted of serious but nonviolent offenses (like horse theft and forgery), States have long exercised their authority to keep firearms out of the hands of individuals who are not law-abiding, and nearly all states have restricted felons from possessing firearms.</p> <p>A copy of the brief can be found <a href="https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/attachments/press-docs/US_APP_CA9_22_50048_d199091998e2639_Submitted_ECF_Amicus_brief_for_review_by_governmen.pdf">here</a>.</p> </div></div></div></description> <pubDate>Tue, 05 Nov 2024 21:59:32 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Office of the Attorney General</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="false">594432 at https://oag.ca.gov</guid> </item> </channel> </rss>

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