Remember S.C.A.M.

Protect Yourself BEFORE It Happens

S — Spot the Red Flags

Scammers want you to act without thinking. Look for:
  • High Pressure: They claim you will be arrested, deported, or lose your utilities if you don't act now. The San Francisco Police Department and Sheriff’s Department will never threaten arrest over phone or text.
  • Specific Payment Methods: They demand payment via Gift Cards, Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin), or Wire Transfers. The City and County of San Francisco will never ask for these.
  • Unsolicited Contact: Unexpected texts or calls asking for your Social Security number or bank login.

C — Cut Off Contact

The moment you feel something suspicious, STOP.
  • Do not send money.  Even if the messages include deadlines, do not transfer funds without verification.
  • Hang up or block the number. Never reply to suspicious text messages or answer phone calls from numbers you do not know. do not reply "Stop" or "Unsubscribe" in suspicious texts. 
  • Do not click links. If a bank or agency claims there is an issue, go to their official website directly.
  • Secure your accounts. If you shared a password, change it immediately and turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). Freeze your credit.

A — Alert Authorities

Reporting doesn't just help you; it helps stop scammers city-wide.
  • Bank, payment processor, or credit card: Call right away to report the issue.
  • Local Police: Call the SFPD Non-Emergency line at (415) 553-0123 or visit your local station.
  • Federal Reporting: File a report at IC3.gov (FBI) or ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Federal reporting is important for both you and the community. 
  • Financial Counseling: Visit San Francisco Financial Counseling for free, 1-on-1 support. Counselors can help you file these reports with authorities, plan for financial recovery, and protect you from future scams.

M — Make Your Community Safer

Help protect yourself and others from future scams.
  • Break the Silence: Scammers count on their victims feeling embarrassed. Warn your friends and family. Share your story with us to protect other potential victims.
  • Federal Reporting: File a report at IC3.gov (FBI) or ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Federal reporting creates a record and protects others.

 

Targeted Scams by Community

Everyone is at risk, but scammers use different tactics for different people.
  • Seniors: Watch for "The Grandparent Scam" (calls claiming a relative is in jail), Social security scams, and "The Romance Scam" (online partners asking for money for "travel" or "medical bills").
  • Immigrant Communities: Watch for "Government Impersonators" claiming to be from ICE or the Chinese Consulate. Official agencies will never call to threaten your status or demand money over the phone.
  • Youth: Watch for "Fake Apartment Listings” (apartments listed at prices that are too good to be true)Social Security Phishing" (texts claiming your SSN is "suspended") and "Fake Job Listings" that ask you to pay for your own equipment or training via a check.

We Want to Hear From You

Scammers count on silence. If you have been scammed, your story protects the next person. If you are working to make sure it never happens to you or someone you love, your instincts help us build something better. We want to hear from both.
 
We are currently holding community listening sessions across San Francisco neighborhoods to hear directly from residents about their experiences with scams. Your voice shapes what we build. Drop by a session near you:
  • July 8, 2026 - 11am to 12pm - On Lok, 225 30th Street
  • September 11, 2026 - 11am to 12pm - Bayview YMCA, 1601 Lane Street

     

🔔 Stay Informed

Don't wait until you're targeted. Join our Rapid-Alert Network to receive email notifications when new fraud trends are detected in San Francisco.

 

Sign Up for Scam Alerts

About StopScams SF

StopScams SF is the nation’s first city-led strategy to protect residents from the growing epidemic of financial scams. StopScams SF combines free financial counseling for anyone who has been scammed, real-time alerts as new scams emerge, and reforms to make it easier for residents to tell a real government payment request from a fake one.
StopScams SF is the newest initiative of the Economic Justice Center and backed by a three-year, $3 million investment from JPMorganChase.
"San Franciscans trust their city government, and scammers exploit that trust every day," said Treasurer José Cisneros. "StopScams SF turns that trust into protection."