Coronavirus: Fake Door-to-Door Tests, Phony Cops In Riverside Co.

IDYLLWILD, CA — A 72-year-old Idyllwild man who was impersonating a law enforcement officer and carrying a concealed weapon without a permit was recently arrested by the California Highway Patrol — and with the ongoing coronavirus situation, people should be wary of these types of “scams, cons and dishonesty,” the CHP warned.

The man was taken into custody by officers from the San Gorgonio Pass CHP after he was walking through downtown Idyllwild Saturday telling people he was a FEMA agent and offering his “law enforcement” services, the San Gorgonio Pass CHP reported.

During the investigation, the officers discovered a loaded .45 caliber pistol, several additional rounds of ammunition, multiple counterfeit police and security badges, and multiple counterfeit law enforcement ID cards and a phony concealed carry permit, according to the CHP.

The man was arrested on suspicion of several charges, including impersonating a peace officer and possession of a concealed firearm without a permit, according to the CHP.

“In these uncertain times, be wary of scams, cons and dishonesty. This person was using the current crisis to take advantage of unsuspecting victims to make money,” the CHP stated. “While it is true that some agencies operate in ‘plain clothes,’ you should never be asked for money when dealing with a legitimate law enforcement agency. People like this discredit and undermine real law enforcement professionals … .”

In a separate scam alert, citizens are being warned about con artists going door-to-door offering COVID-19 testing. Police and health officials confirm there are no healthcare providers, law enforcement or other government agencies going door-to-door to test for coronavirus.

If you see someone offering door-to-door testing, call your local police department's non-emergency line.