Riverside County Fire Department Warns of Fraudulent Donation Scams Amid Ongoing Wildfire Recovery

The Riverside County Fire Department has issued an urgent warning about fraudulent donation solicitations targeting residents amid the ongoing wildfire recovery efforts. Scammers are falsely claiming to represent the fire department and are asking for monetary donations, with amounts reaching up to $3,000. The department has made it clear that they are not conducting any fundraising or soliciting donations.

If you receive any calls, visits, or messages requesting donations on behalf of the Riverside County Fire Department, be aware that these are fraudulent attempts. The fire department advises residents not to share any personal, financial, or payment information with these individuals.

If you or someone you know has been approached by someone claiming to represent the department, you are encouraged to take the following steps:

Do not provide any personal or financial information.
Report the incident immediately to local law enforcement.
Contact the Riverside County Fire Department at 951-940-6985 to verify any donation requests or seek assistance.
In addition to the donation scams, there have been reports of price gouging, particularly regarding temporary housing. If you believe you have been affected by inflated prices or other unethical practices, you can report the issue to the Riverside County District Attorney's Office.

Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant, especially during the recovery phase, and to report any fraudulent activities or price gouging to ensure the community’s protection. For more information, including how to report scams, visit the full article in the Headlines tab on NBCPalmSprings.com.