The Fresno Police Department is warning residents about five common scams targeting elderly community members and offering safety tips to prevent financial loss.
- Scammers impersonate government agencies demanding payment by phone, gift card or wire transfer.
- Fraudsters claim bank accounts are compromised and request PINs, passwords or verification codes.
- Police urge residents to hang up, avoid sharing information and verify emergencies.
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The Fresno Police Department is warning residents about the top five scams targeting the elderly community and urging families to take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones.
In a public advisory, Fresno police said impostor or government agency scams remain a leading threat, with scammers posing as law enforcement officers, IRS agents, Social Security representatives, or court officials and claiming victims owe money or missed jury duty. Officials stressed that no government agency will demand payment by phone, gift card or wire transfer.
Police also cautioned about bank and financial account scams, in which victims receive calls or text messages claiming their accounts are locked or compromised. Scammers often direct victims to fake websites or ask for verification codes. Authorities said banks never ask for PIN numbers, passwords or verification codes over the phone and do not send couriers to pick up debit cards.
Tech support scams were also highlighted, involving callers or pop-up messages that claim a computer has a virus and request remote access or payment. Police said legitimate companies do not make unsolicited calls offering tech support.
Another common scheme is the “grandparent” or emergency scam, where a caller pretends to be a grandchild or relative in trouble and urgently requests money. Police said scammers rely on panic and advised residents to verify the situation with another family member before sending funds.
Rounding out the list are prize, lottery or sweepstakes scams, in which victims are told they have won a prize but must first pay fees or taxes. Authorities emphasized that legitimate prizes do not require upfront payment.
Police advised residents to hang up on unsolicited calls, avoid sharing personal, or financial information, never purchase gift cards or withdraw large sums of cash at a scammer’s request, avoid clicking on unknown links and verify suspicious claims with a trusted family member or their bank.
To report suspicious activity, police say to use the non-emergency line at (559) 621-700, calling 9-1-1, or emailing financialcrimes@fresno.gov.
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Connect with Anthony W. Haddad on social media. Got a tip? Send an email.
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