Los Angeles, CA — The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) is sounding the alarm over a rise in telecom and financial scams targeting residents across the county. Officials are urging anyone who suspects they’ve been targeted or victimized to act immediately to minimize damage.
Investigators with the LASD Fraud & Cyber Crimes Bureau report that criminals are leveraging calls, texts, and online platforms to trick people into sharing sensitive information or authorizing fraudulent transactions. If you believe your data or accounts have been compromised, quick response is critical.
What victims should do right away:
– Contact your bank or credit union to halt pending transactions and close or secure affected accounts.
– File a police report with your local sheriff’s station or police department.
– Monitor your credit and consider placing a freeze with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion if you spot suspicious activity.
– Report cyber-related fraud to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
Authorities note that many scam operations run from outside the United States, which can make investigations difficult and limit the chances of recovering funds. Even so, reporting incidents helps law enforcement track patterns, warn the public, and pursue cases where recovery is possible.
If the fraud involves a licensed professional—such as an attorney, real estate agent, or similar—LASD recommends seeking restitution through that professional’s regulatory or licensing body. Victims may also wish to consult a certified public accountant to explore any potential tax remedies related to the loss.
Officials stress that informed residents are far less likely to be victimized. Staying alert to unsolicited requests, verifying identities before sharing information, and reporting suspicious activity promptly are key defenses.
If you are a victim of telecom or financial fraud, contact your local sheriff’s station or police department for assistance and guidance on next steps. Public awareness and swift reporting remain the strongest tools against these crimes.
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