The Los Angeles police have issued a warning about scammers exploiting vulnerable individuals and families affected by the devastating fires.
According to a community alert issued Sunday, some common scams include:
- Fake job offers on social media claiming to be from the government, asking for personal details like bank information
- Scammers pretending to be local, county or federal employees asking for payments
- Unsolicited phone calls asking for donations for fire recovery, or claiming to help victims recover their losses — sometimes impersonating FEMA or insurance agents
- Scammers approaching in person offering “free help” with repairs, insurance claims or other assistance
- Scammers asking victims to pay for “government fees” using gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency
Police recommend verifying callers or individuals by contacting the agency directly using their official number or checking job offers on the agency’s official website to avoid falling victim to scams.
Police emphasized that legitimate organizations will never request payments through unconventional methods such as cryptocurrency.
Other warnings: On Saturday, California Attorney General Rob Bonta urged people to be cautious of scams, some of which have targeted elderly people and immigrants who may not speak English as a first language.
An LA County supervisor also warned on Saturday of fundraising scams appearing on GoFundMe, saying that those who are caught running these scams will be prosecuted by the district attorney’s office.
