Assemblymember Wallis, Palm Springs mayor and police chief warn seniors about scams

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) Assemblymember Greg Wallis is hosting a free scam-prevention seminar for seniors Friday morning at the Mizell Center in Palm Springs.

Palm Springs Mayor Naomi Soto and Police Chief Kyle Stjerne are scheduled to speak. Representatives from four state agencies are scheduled to explain common scams and warning signs and answer questions: the Contractors State License Board, the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, the Department of Insurance and the Bureau of Household Goods and Services.

The seminar runs until 11 a.m. at 480 S. Sunrise Way.

Americans 60 and older reported more than $7.7 billion in fraud losses to the FBI in 2025, up 59% from the year before.

In August, Palm Springs police warned about scammers posing as officers and using the department's real phone number to demand money. Police say officers never call to demand payment.

Anyone who suspects a scam can contact local police or the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11.