District Attorney Calls For Caution On Wildfire Scams

Press release from the County of Santa Cruz:

August 24, 2020

As a result of the California Wildfires, many people are trying to take advantage of those already
in a world of hurt and not necessarily thinking clearly. Below is a list of current scams our office is
aware of.

WILDFIRE SCAMS:
1. GOFundMe sites that are not to assist those affected by the wildfires are appearing.
2. People impersonating themselves as PG&E employees to attempt to receive money or to enter
your property.
3. Requesting the purchase of gift cards to support a fundraiser.
4. Calls requesting money to support a group assisting wildfire victims.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF:
1. Legitimate businesses will never require gift cards to be used to pay for anything.
2. Before you make a donation, make sure it is for a legitimate cause. Santa Cruz County has a link
to donate your time, resources or money in the assistance to firefighters and evacuees:

https://www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/Portals/0/County/CAO/press%20releases/2020/FireDonations.08202020.pdf

3. Never give out personal or financial information over the phone to an unknown source.
4. Do not let the caller use pressure tactics to coerce you into anything.

If you would like to report a local scam in Santa Cruz County, contact the Santa Cruz County
District Attorney’s Office by calling (831) 454-2050 or complete an online form, which can be found at https://consumercomplaintform.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/#. The form can be emailed to
cfep@santacruzcounty.us or sent by US mail to Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office,
Consumer Fraud Protection Division, 701 Ocean Street, Room 200, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.

This press release was produced by County of Santa Cruz. The views expressed here are the author's own.