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Police chief warns residents about crowdfunding scams, urges verification and safe-donation practices
Summary
Chief Arnold warned that crowdfunding scams often use stolen or AI imagery and urged residents to verify organizers, avoid payments via gift cards or peer-to-peer apps, and consider donating through verified nonprofits; he also announced a community Scribe Watch meeting on March 2.
Police Chief Arnold used his report at the Feb. 9 council meeting to warn residents about online crowdfunding scams and to outline steps for safer giving.
“These scams occur when criminals mislead people online in an attempt to collect money for fake causes or a cause they are not affiliated with,” Chief Arnold said, advising residents to verify the person, the story and the crowdfunding platform before donating. He recommended reverse-image searches to identify reused or stolen photos and cautioned against sending money via Cash App, Venmo, gift cards or cryptocurrency.
He told residents to prefer verified nonprofits or, when possible, donate directly to a known individual or family. Chief Arnold also noted scammers often capitalize on publicly known incidents such as house fires or natural disasters and urged caution when multiple fundraisers request donations for the same cause.
The chief closed with a community announcement: a Scribe Watch meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 2 at 7 p.m. at the community center.
