Two arrested after police find funeral fundraising scam in Palm Springs

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) - Two Redlands residents were arrested after an alleged funeral fundraising scam in Palm Springs earlier this week.

Police said the two suspects were out on Ramon Rd. and San Luis Rey Dr. on Wednesday, holding pictures of a young child and telling drivers the child had passed away and they needed money for funeral costs.

Officers looked into their story and confirmed the child they claimed was deceased is still alive.

"Scammers continue to use emotionally charged stories to take advantage of good-hearted people. One of the most common tactics involves holding signs with photos of children and claiming they need help with funeral or medical expenses. These operations are often organized, and the images they use are frequently stolen from real charities or pulled from the internet," reads a post by the Palm Springs Police Department.

Police added, "These kinds of scams happen across the country, and we know many in our community have encountered similar situations. If you see someone stepping into the roadway or standing on medians to solicit cash, especially while using emotional stories or photos, please don’t give money. This behavior is unsafe, and many of these operations are fraudulent."

If you come across this type of activity in Palm Springs, call their non-emergency line at 760-327-1441 so an officer can check on the situation.