Watch out for these fire recovery scams, Los Angeles police warn
The Los Angeles Police Department has put out a list of scams that are actively being used in light of the devastating wildfires that have torn through the city.
The scams, police say, have been exploiting people as thousands across L.A. are in severe distress.
Here are scams to look out for, according to the LAPD:
False Job Solicitation Scams:
“If you are looking for work related to fire recovery, beware of job offers circulating on social media that claim to be from the government or reputable agencies,” LAPD says. “These offers are often fraudulent and designed to steal your personal information. The job postings are not from legitimate sources. Scammers may ask you to submit personal details, such as your Social Security number, bank account information, or other sensitive data.”
Fake City, County, or Federal Employees:
“Do not trust anyone who approaches you claiming to be a representative of the City, County, or Federal government without proper identification,” LAPD says. “Government workers will not ask for payment for services on the spot or pressure you into making immediate decisions. Verify their credentials by contacting the relevant agency directly using official contact information, not the details they provide.”
Phone and Text Message Scams:
“Beware of unsolicited phone calls asking for donations for fire recovery or claiming to help you recover your losses. Legitimate organizations will not cold-call you for donations,” LAPD says. “Scammers may impersonate FEMA or insurance agents, asking for sensitive information like Social Security numbers or bank account details. Always hang up and call back using verified contact details. Never click on links or attachments in texts from unknown numbers, especially those offering ‘assistance’ or ‘recovery help.’ These are often phishing attempts designed to steal your information. If you receive a text claiming to be from a government agency or insurance company, do not respond. Instead, verify their authenticity through official channels.”
Unsolicited In-Person Solicitations:
“Be cautious of people approaching you in person offering ‘free help’ with repairs, insurance claims, or government assistance,” LAPD says. “Always ask for identification and do not make decisions on the spot. Contact the agency or organization they claim to represent directly before agreeing to anything.”
Gift Card or Payment Scams:
“Scammers may ask you to pay for services or ‘government fees’ using gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency,” LAPD says. “Legitimate agencies will never ask for payments in these forms. If anyone requests payment in these unusual ways, report the incident immediately.”
Fraudulent Donations:
“Be cautious when donating to fire relief efforts. Always verify the legitimacy of the charity or organization, especially if they reached out to you directly,” LAPD says. “Use trusted platforms like Charity Navigator to check the legitimacy of organizations before making a donation.”
To ensure that any charities or organizations are legitimate, the LAPD says you can reach out to the department by calling 877-275-5273.