Police Warn Elderly Against Apparent Scams

Redlands and other local police are warning residents about continuing reports of apparent scams, especially against the elderly population. The most common reports of apparent scam activity include those that offer large, quick monetary sums for little investment, claiming to be government agencies collecting fines or penalties, or appearing to desire to help a friend or relative in need, police have said. Three common types of reported fraudulent activities include arrest warrant scams, in which residents receive a phone call from an individual claiming to work for a local court or law enforcement agency and allege that there is a warrant out for the resident's arrest. The callers claim the warrants can be dismissed through payment via a purchased debit card from a local retailer and providing the caller with the card's serial number before 5 p.m., when courts close. Once the caller obtains the victim's serial number, money is taken from the debit account. Police say that many victims report they never received a summons for jury duty or had an unpaid parking ticket. Another common scam, according to police, are emails from an acquaintance claiming they have been on vacation or are traveling a foreign country and have had their wallet and passport stolen, with all credit cards and ID forms gone. Authorities won't allow the apparent acquaintance to leave the country, and victims are asked to provide money so the acquaintance can purchase a new passport and plane tickets. Police advise victims of this type of scam to place a quick phone call to the acquaintance - not an email, as their account has already been compromised - who will usually confirm that he has not left the country. A third common scam is known as the "grandparent scam," where elderly victims receive an email unexpectedly from someone claiming to be a friend or relative - typically callers claim to be a grandson or granddaughter. The caller says there's an emergency and asks victims to send money immediately. Police advise residents to use caution, as it is likely the caller is an imposter trying to steal money. Those believing they have been the victim or an intended victim of fraud, or have information about a scam, are asked to contact Redlands Police Dispatch at 909-798-7681. Anonymous tips can be provided by texting 274637 using the keyword “REDTIP.”