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Sheriff’s office highlights rising financial‑scam tactics, schedules community fraud‑prevention presentation; council extends RideChoice transit funding for one
Summary
MCSO District 7 captain and the county financial‑crimes detective warned of an uptick in courier and cryptocurrency scams, scheduled a community presentation for June 26, and council approved keeping the Valley Metro‑administered RideChoice paratransit program funded for the coming fiscal period while staff develops longer‑term options.
Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) District 7 Captain Thomas briefed the council on service levels, response times and a new squad model (Squad 5) to increase patrol visibility. Captain Thomas said the district is reallocating schedules to enhance community policing and to deploy a Squad 5 that will overlap patrol shifts and focus on hot spots.
Detective Roberts from the county Financial Crimes Unit described a set of common scams that have hit local residents, including telephone and courier scams that coax victims into withdrawing and handing over cash or valuables. The detective emphasized education and prevention: “If you don't know the person, do not give them money,” he told the chamber. MCSO and the county unit plan a public fraud‑prevention presentation for Thursday, June 26, from 4–6 p.m. at the Fountain Hills Community Center and encouraged residents, HOAs and service groups to invite the MCSO team to present for local gatherings.
Separately during the meeting, council reviewed the Valley Metro RideChoice program, a subsidized door‑to‑door service that many seniors use. Town staff and Valley Metro noted that Arizona Lottery funds currently earmarked for transportation average roughly $60,000 annually for Fountain Hills but that current RideChoice demand has grown 80% over two years; projections showed the town could exhaust its dedicated balance within one to two years unless rates, eligibility or general‑fund support change. Council approved the short‑term renewal of RideChoice service for the upcoming contract year to preserve service continuity and asked staff to return during the fall budget process with options including revised fares, limiting eligibility to ADA‑certified riders, pausing service when funds are depleted, or allocating general fund support. The council recorded a 5–2 vote to approve funding for the program for the coming year.
Captain Thomas and Detective Roberts urged residents to attend the June 26 session and to bring family members who might be vulnerable to scams.
