PSPD warns senior residents about new and ongoing scams to look out for

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)-- The Palm Springs Police Department is urging seniors in the Coachella Valley to look out for current online scams. According to the PSPD, scammers are increasingly targeting older adults with sophisticated and deceptive tactics designed to steal personal and financial information.

"All they need is a little bait to try to hook the right person, and before you know it, now you're giving your personal information or bank information," said Lieutenant Mike Villegas, a Public Information Officer with the PSPD. "Then you become a victim."

The department says staying informed is the first line of defense against these scams. Scammers frequently impersonate trusted sources through phone calls, emails, text messages, or even QR codes to gain access to sensitive information. The PSPD says seniors are often targeted due to their trusting nature and unfamiliarity with newer forms of digital fraud.

“Emails, text messages, phone calls, voice mails and so forth, where specifically they're targeting the senior community is what we're seeing," said Villegas. "Our seniors are very trusting, and they're not too familiar with technology and or who is sending this information, requesting information.”

The Joslyn Center, a senior center in Palm Desert, is working to prevent scams from affecting local residents. According to the Alexandro Garcia, the center's Program Director, the center is hosting weekly classes to its members to help seniors learn how to use technology like cell phones, TV's, and computers. These classes also informs seniors about common scams and signs to identify them.

"The scammers are getting very smart," said Garcia. "They're attacking the emails, and phone calls as well. You do have to be a member to attend these classes and some of the programs. It costs $35 for the whole year just to join the center, but it gives you access to all the programs that we offer including these 'Teach Tech' classes.”

These classes have helped prevent several residents from being scammed, simply by raising awareness.

"In our classes, they tell them what to open, not to open, who to answer and who to watch out for," explained Garcia. "You know, the area code on the phone numbers si important too, because sometimes if it looks a little sketchy, like getting a call from New York, that's a sign that you shouldn't be answering those."

The Joslyn Center is also looking for volunteers to help expand these lectures, to teach mroe seniors about potential dangers and scams.

"We are always accepting volunteers for either programs that we don't have programs or we already have," said Garcia. "We do have one person for our 'Teach Tech' class every Monday from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. but we are open to have more volunteers to come help us out. We have a waiting list of seniors that want to have that one-on-one with our teacher. It'd be helpful to get people to help us out, volunteer to help our seniors out with technology."

"You don't have to be senior to be a victim of these types of crimes," explained Villegas. "You said the key word "These are sophisticated. Whether it's cell phones, text messages, social media, platforms, anything where the scammer can remain anonymous, those scams are on the rise, just be aware. You don't have to be a senior to be a victim.”

The PSPD also released these guidelines to help protect yourself:

• Never share personal details (Social Security number, banking information, or passwords) over the phone or via email unless you initiated the contact with a known, trusted source.

• Don’t let urgency rush you. Scammers use fear and pressure, claiming a grandchild is in trouble or your account is at risk. Always verify first.

• Listen to your gut. If something feels off, hang up or delete the message.

• Remember: The police, fire department, or other government agencies will never ask you for money or gift cards. Such requests are a strong indicator of a scam.

Protect Your Money:

• Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any unusual activity.

• Use strong, unique passwords and consider a password manager.

• Never send money or gift cards to strangers. Legitimate companies do not request these forms of payment.

• If you think your information has been stolen, consider freezing your credit with the three major bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

If You Think You’ve Been Targeted - Quick action can help prevent further harm:

• Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or call 1-877-FTC-HELP.

• Contact your bank or credit card provider immediately.

• Talk to a trusted friend or family member.

• Call AARP’s Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 1-877-908-3360 for free, confidential guidance.

News Chanel Three's Tori King is working with the PSPD to get more information on how to protect yourself. See her coverage at 4, 5, and 6 pm.