City of Long Beach Advises Residents of Scam Alerts for Relief Efforts Supporting Wildfire Victims
The Californer/10301852

Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach, CA - As the wildfires continue to ravage through Los Angeles County, the City of Long Beach is urging residents to be cautious of potential scams related to relief efforts. In the midst of this crisis, there has been an outpouring of support and generosity from people wanting to help those affected by the fires. However, scammers are taking advantage of this opportunity and preying on the kindness of others.

To avoid falling victim to these scams, the City is offering some helpful tips. First and foremost, it is important to donate directly through an organization's official website. Avoid responding to unsolicited emails, social media posts, or phone calls as scammers may be impersonating legitimate organizations. Stick to known and reputable organizations such as those listed below.

Residents should also never give out personal information such as name, date of birth, social security number or bank information to unsolicited callers. The Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) also offers additional tips for avoiding scams during emergencies.

Several organizations are currently accepting donations that will directly impact L.A. County residents affected by the wildfires. The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation is seeking donations for critical tools and resources for first responders battling the fires. The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is accepting monetary and food donations at their two distribution centers. The Pasadena Humane Society is in need of monetary donations to treat burned and injured animals. The California Community Foundation's Wildfire Recovery Fund supports communities with both intermediate recovery and long-term resilience efforts. GoFundMe has also collected verified fundraisers on its wildfire relief page.

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Other reputable organizations that residents can donate to include the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army. Both are seeking monetary donations to aid wildfire victims and support recovery efforts.

If residents believe they have fallen victim to a scam, they are urged to call the LBPD non-emergency line at 562-435-6711 or report phone scams to the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov. Scams over the internet can be reported to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. Both websites also offer additional resources on scams and identity theft.

To keep residents informed and updated on the ongoing fires, the City has launched a dedicated webpage, longbeach.gov/emergency. This page provides vital public health and safety information, resources, and real-time updates related to the wildfires in Los Angeles County.

For media inquiries, please contact the City of Long Beach Joint Information Center at 562-570-NEWS or JIC@longbeach.gov. The City is committed to keeping residents safe and informed during this difficult time and urges everyone to be cautious of potential scams.

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