Los Angeles: Police are cautioning residents about scams targeting vulnerable individuals after the devastating wildfires.
Scammers are exploiting people’s distress, offering fake job opportunities and fraudulent assistance schemes.
A community alert listed scams such as fake job offers, impersonating officials, and bogus donation requests.
Scammers are also pretending to help with repairs, insurance claims, and recovery, often demanding unusual payments.
Common Scams Highlighted
Some scams include unsolicited calls asking for donations or claiming to assist wildfire victims.
Scammers impersonate FEMA agents, government employees, or insurance representatives to collect personal information or payments.
Others post fake government jobs on social media, requiring bank details or private information.
Payment demands using cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or gift cards are key warning signs.
Police and Officials Provide Advice
The LAPD urges verifying callers or individuals by contacting agencies via official numbers or websites.
Legitimate organizations will never demand payments through unusual platforms like cryptocurrency.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta warned that scammers often target immigrants and the elderly.
Officials stressed vigilance, especially with fundraising efforts like GoFundMe, and promised legal action against fraudsters.
Prosecution for Scam Operators
LA County officials pledged to prosecute individuals caught running scams against fire victims.
Authorities encourage reporting suspicious activity to protect victims and support recovery efforts.
Residents are reminded to rely only on trusted organizations and official information sources.
By staying alert, the public can avoid falling prey to exploitative schemes.
