Fake Bills, Prize Offerings: New CA Law Helps Protect Consumers

MURRIETA, CA — Junk mail is becoming more than just an irritating waste of paper. Mass solicitations that land in physical mailboxes are getting really good at looking like bills and legitimate prize offerings. Sadly, some unsuspecting California residents — especially the elderly — are duped into paying money to the junk senders.

Legislation that was just signed into law by California Gov. Gavin Newsom aims to prevent confusion over these dubious solicitations.

Senate Bill 1096, introduced by Sen. Kelly Seyarto (R-Murrieta) and signed into law and chaptered on June 14, requires all physical mail solicitations to include the following language on the front of envelopes:

“THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT. YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO MAKE ANY PAYMENT OR TAKE ANY OTHER ACTION IN RESPONSE TO THIS OFFER.”

The language must be printed in at least 16-point bold type, according to the law.

The transparent mail labeling law defines "solicitation" as "an advertisement or marketing communication through writing or graphics that is directed to, or likely to give the impression of being directed to, an individually identified person, residence, or business location." It applies only to physical mailings, not emails.

Senate Bill 1096 "is an important fix for consumer protection," Seyarto said. "Mail solicitations have started looking like bills and official state mail, confusing many consumers. This especially affects our seniors, who are the most likely demographic to fall for mail scams and inadvertently pay something they were not required to."

Last year, the VC Star reported on deceptive letters threatening Ventura County property owners with liens and property seizures.

One letter, entitled "Intent to Levy Assets," warned of an unpaid tax bill totaling $282,410. It purported that the state of California would seize assets and garnish wages and bank accounts.

Another letter was labeled as "final demand for payment" of taxes. The fraudulent mailing claimed the state would seize property if a debt of $9,001 wasn’t paid.

"Unsolicited materials received in the mail are often marketing materials deceptively designed to cause the property owner to become concerned and call the number listed on the mailer," Ventura County Senior Deputy DA Dominic Kardum said at the time.

Senate Bill 1096 passed through the state's Senate and Assembly with bipartisan support and no opposition. It takes effect Jan. 1, 2025. The law applies to any mail sent to a California resident, regardless of where it originates.

Sen. Seyarto represents California's 32nd Senate District, which includes the cities and communities of Aguanga, Anza, Borrego Springs, Canyon Lake, Cathedral City, Chino Hills, Corona, Desert Edge, Desert Hot Springs, El Sobrante, French Valley, Good Hope, Hemet, Homeland, Idyllwild, Julian, La Cresta, Lake Elsinore, Lake Mathews, Lakeland Village, Menifee, Mead Valley, Meadowbrook, Murrieta, Norco, Palm Springs, Sage, Sky Valley, Riverside, Temecula, Temescal Valley, Thousand Palms, Valle Vista, Whitewater, Wildomar, Winchester, Woodcrest and Yorba Linda.

If you think you've been scammed by a mailer, contact your local law enforcement office.