Department of Justice: phone scams.

Assembly Member Caloza's proposal to establish a statewide database of known phone scams would require the California Department of Justice to create and maintain a public-facing resource on its website by January 2027. The database would catalog verified phone scams, with monthly updates based on new reports and investigations.

The Department's website would provide detailed information about frequently reported scams, document common fraudulent tactics, and offer guidance on identifying deceptive communications. Members of the public could report suspected scams through an online mechanism and search existing records using keywords related to scam sources. Beginning January 2028, the Department would submit annual reports to the Legislature detailing the number of documented phone scams and prevalent schemes from the previous calendar year.

The provisions would remain in effect through January 2033, at which point they would be automatically repealed unless extended by future legislation. The database aims to serve as a resource for consumers while enabling law enforcement to monitor emerging threats.