To protect yourself from scams in the Golden State, start by recognizing "neighbor spoofing," where callers use local area codes like 213, 310, or 415 to appear familiar. These scammers often create a false sense of urgency, claiming you have an unpaid utility bill or a legal warrant. Before returning a missed call, it is highly recommended to
click here to verify the number's owner. Be wary of any caller demanding payment via gift cards or wire transfers, as legitimate California government agencies and businesses will never use these methods.