What is SAIF?

The Seniors Against Investment Fraud (SAIF) Program is a statewide outreach campaign administered by the’’ California Department of Corporations. The primary purpose of SAIF is to alert and educate Californians over the age of 50 about investment and telemarketing fraud crimes and how to avoid being victimized by scam artists.  SAIF takes a leadership role on providing seniors throughout the stage with essential and critical information to protect themselves from dangerous and unscrupulous sales practices.

Not everyone is full of goodwill during the holidays or any days. Unfortunately, the holidays are prime time for financial crimes - identity theft, robbery and fraud - and seniors are often the target.

According to the Department of Corporations seniors fall prey to fraud for a variety of reasons. They are generally more accessible by telephone and mail; are trusting and willing to listen; have limited experience with investments; and are deeply concerned with maintaining finances to last them throughout their lives. Furthermore, many older people are complacent or forgetful of details and may be embarrassed to admit they've been "had" by a scam artist.

Know Fraud: don’t be victims

To safeguard against financial crimes this holiday season and/or any season, the Better Business Bureau offers these timely tips for seniors and those who care for them:

• Hang on to your personal information


• Use direct deposit


• Pay the safest way


• Arm yourself with information