Full Notification

Several of our community members have fallen victim to very convincing fraud schemes involving mortgage assistance, outstanding tax collection, foreign government assistance, and even to companies promising to return money lost in similar scams. These scams almost always request money be paid up front for services, or the threat of arrest, eviction or property seizure is made. Recently, several community members reported receiving suspicious telephone calls from young people claiming to be their grandchildren. These scammers asked for money for medical expenses, to avoid arrest, post bail or to purchase food. Our older community members are most often targeted and victimized in these cases.

Community members are strongly encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency, or an allied government agency, before providing these scammers any money or personal information. Riverside County residents who are 65 years or older, or dependent adults (18 to 64 years old) can contact the Department of Public Social Services Adult Services Division CARE (Curtailing Abuse Related to the Elderly) Program at any time for assistance. CARE provides education to seniors and dependent adults, and one-on-one advocacy to those who need assistance filing complaints with regulatory or investigating agencies.

Impersonating Law Enforcement or Court Systems

In one type of scheme, the caller claims to be a member of law enforcement, or the court system. The victim is told he or she has a warrant for failing to appear for jury duty. The caller demands payment for the warrant via credit card information, or a Green Dot card. The suspect typically remains on the phone with the victim while he or she travels to the store to obtain the Green Dot card. The suspect further instructs the victim not to tell anyone who they are talking with. After obtaining the serial numbers to the Green Dot cards, the money deposited to the card is immediately removed by the suspect.

No Riverside County Court or Sheriff’s Department employee will ever contact the public and ask for financial information or payment in lieu of attending court proceedings, or to make up for failure to appear for jury duty.

Impersonating Utility or Service Provider Companies

In another scheme, the caller claims to be from a utility, or a service provider-type company. The victim is told their bill is overdue, or a meter needs to be replaced at the victim’s expense. The caller demands immediate payment for the overdue bill, or installation of a new meter. If payment is not received, the victim’s service will be shut off. The caller demands credit card information or a Green Dot card as described in the first scheme.

This is also a fraudulent call. The caller is not connected with any utility or service providers. Victims are encouraged to advise the caller they will call the utility company directly, and end the phone call. You should then contact the utility company through legitimate and verified numbers.


Community members are encouraged to contact the following agencies for assistance:

Riverside County Sheriff’s Department – http://www.riversidesheriff.org/crime/fraud.asp

Curtailing Abuse Related to the Elderly (CARE) Program
http://dpss.co.riverside.ca.us/adult-services-division/care-program
(800) 476-7506

California Department of Consumer Affairs
(800) 952-5210
www.dca.ca.gov

Federal Trade Commission
(202) 326-2222
http://www.ftc.gov

State of California Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General
(800) 952-5225
http://oag.ca.gov

Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)
(800) 289-9999
www.finra.org

Better Business Bureau Inland Empire
(559) 222-8111
http://www.bbb.org/central-california

Tips for avoiding common fraud schemes can be located on the following Federal Bureau of Investigation website: www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/fraud

The Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station continues to investigate phony companies and scammers that victimize the community members we serve. If you believe you were victimized, or have any questions, please contact Investigator Holder at (951) 245-3119, or by email at [email protected].

Citizens may also submit an anonymous tip using the Sheriff's CrimeTips online form.