SCPD Warns the Public to be Aware of COVID-19 Scams

As the COVID-19 crisis continues, scammers are using this as an opportunity to take advantage of consumers. SCPD reminds you to be on the lookout for scammers and their schemes. Often scammers will try to impersonate a government agency or a business (such as a utility company or bank) and try to befriend you in hopes of getting you to pay them money, provide personal information, or access your home.

PSA Video on SCPD YouTube 
Stay informed by following these tips to protect yourself.

• Ignore offers for vaccinations and home test kits. Scammers are selling fake or unproven products to treat or prevent COVID-19. Beware of text messages and emails offering cures, information, or financial assistance related to COVID-19.

• Hang up on robocalls. Don't press any numbers or answer any questions.

• Do NOT respond to texts, emails, or calls about checks from the government. No one will call or text you to verify the information before "releasing" funds; this is a scam.

• Watch out for phishing emails and text messages. Don't click on links from sources you don't know or emails/texts you aren't expecting to receive.

• Research before you donate. Don't let anyone rush you into a donation. Be cautious if you're feeling pressured to share information or make a payment immediately. Never donate in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money. Get tips on giving wisely at ftc.gov/charity.

• To report COVID-19 related scam in Santa Cruz County should contact the District Attorney's Office by calling (831)454-2050 or at http://datinternet.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/…/ConsumerProtection… or the police department.

Santa Cruz Police Department shares COVID -19 Scam Alert public service announcement in English and Spanish at www.SantaCruzPolice.com, SCPD YouTube and, cityofsantacruz.com/coronavirus. 

For more information on coronavirus related scams, you can visit ftc.gov/coronavirus. You can report online and email scams to the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-382-4357 or visit the FTC website at consumer.ftc.gov.

For current information on the City of Santa Cruz's response to COVID-19, visit cityofsantacruz.com/coronavirus.

El Departamento de Policía de Santa Cruz alerta al público sobre las estafas relacionadas con la crisis de COVID-19.  Los estafadores continúan aprovechándose de ésta crisis para defraudar a los consumidores

𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐎 𝐄𝐍 𝐄𝐒𝐏𝐀Ñ𝐎𝐋 𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐈𝐃𝐎 on SCPD YouTube

El Departamento de Policía de Santa Cruz recomiemnda al público estar alerta sobre los estafadores y sus engaños. Con frecuencia los estafadores pretender ser miembros del gobierno o negocios como bancos o empresas de servicios, o intentan establecer relaciones amigables con sus víctimas, con el fin de obtener dinero, información personal, o accesso a sus hogares.

El Departamento de Policía de Santa Cruz aconseja observar las siguientes recomendaciones:
-Ignore ofertas de vacunas o tests de pruebas caseros, pues los estafadores están vendiendo productos ficticios para tratar or prevenir el COVID-19. Sospeche de mensajes de texto o correo electrónico que ofrezcan curas, información o asistencia financiera relacionada con COVID-19.

-Cuelgue el teléfono, o no conteste cuando reciba llamadas indeseadas, y no presione ninguna tecla en su teléfono.

-No responda a llamadas telefónicas, mensajes de texto o correo electrónico relacionados con cheques del gobierno. El estado nunca le llamará para confirmar su información antes de desembolsar fondos.

-Esté alerta sobre mensajes de texto o de correo electrónico que intenten obtener sus datos personales, y nunca acceda a ningún vínculo o dirección de Internet recibidos de personas desconocidas.

-Antes de hacer cualquier donación, investigue su proveniencia y destino, y no se deje presionar de quienes las solicitan. Nunca done dinero en efectivo, mediante tarjetas prepagads o de regalo, o mediante transferencias bancarias.

Para mas informació sobre como donar seguramente acceda a la página Internet de la Comisión Federal de Comercio (FTC): ftc.gov/charity.

El Departamento de Policía de Santa Cruz comparte sus alertas públicas sobre las estafas de COVID -19 en inglés y español a través de las redes sociales: www.SantaCruzPolice.com, SCPD YouTube y cityofsantacruz.com/coronavirus

Para obtener información actualizada de la respuesta de la Ciudad de Santa Cruz a la crisis de COVID-19, visite la siguiente página en Internet: cityofsantacruz.com/coronavirus.

Para información adicional sobre las estafas relacionadas con el coronavirus, visite la la página Internet que la Comisión Federal de Comercio (FTC) ha creado para éste fin: ftc.gov/coronavirus.

Usted puede reportar éstas estafas llamando a la Comisión Federal de Comercio (FTC) a 1-877-382-4357 or visitando su página en Internet: consumer.ftc.gov.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

The Santa Cruz Police Department offers our "You Are Not Alone" program, or YANA, for our more vulnerable residents living in the City of Santa Cruz and for the duration of the Shelter In Place order includes all of Santa Cruz County. So how does it work? Chief Mills explains it on video https://youtu.be/IjEEcCl5yps or read about it below.

The YANA program is free to all City of Santa Cruz residents and now extended to all of Santa Cruz County. It helps to provide ongoing contact for seniors, persons with disabilities, or anyone that can benefit from the regular connection. Volunteers with the police department call the participants who have signed up. If several phone calls go unanswered, the Volunteer initiates a series of steps to ensure the participant's safety and well -being. A welfare check may be conducted at the person's home.

If you would like someone to check up on you during the current COVID-19 pandemic, contact our YANA coordinator at 831-420-5916, or by email at scpdvolunteers@cityofsantacruz.com.

One of our volunteers will call you periodically to see how you are doing, but remember, if you are having an emergency, dial 9-1-1.

During these critical moments and all other times, please know one thing… YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Your Santa Cruz Police Department wants to check in regularly with our senior citizens because we care.

To sign up, you or your loved one can contact our Santa Cruz Police YANA program at 831-420-5916, or by email at scpdvolunteers@cityofsantacruz.com For information regarding YANA, go to http://www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/city-departments/police/you-are-not-alone.

MEDIA RELEASE: SCPD to Proactively Enforce State and Santa Cruz County Public Health Orders

A message from the Chief of Police | Response to COVID19

Following a state and public health order issued to help slow the spread of COVID-19 across California, Police Chief Andrew Mills outlines what it means for the City of Santa Cruz's residents and businesses.

The Santa Cruz Police will seek out businesses that appear to violate this Public Health Order and individuals who are grouping. Generally, SCPD issues warnings. If compliance not achieved, a criminal citation will be issued. We do not take this enforcement stance lightly. The COVID-19 pandemic is a serious community health threat, and the Public Health Order is enforceable.

The Santa Cruz Police Department's (SCPD) primary role in supporting the governor's stay at home order is to help educate the community about how to comply. Most residents are following the "Safer at Home" order, which allows essential businesses and critical public functions to remain open, but directs most other people to stay home and avoid gatherings.

Non-essential businesses that remain open and individuals who gather in groups place the community-at-large at risk. "Ideally, we would prefer to gain the public's cooperation and avoid unnecessary enforcement," said Chief Mills. If we work together, we will accomplish the goal of keeping our community safe. "

In response to mandates and to better protect closed local businesses, the Santa Cruz Police Department officers check on businesses to educate and ensure compliance. SCPD also deployed burglary suppression units to increase patrols, particularly during nighttime shifts.

Chief Andy Mills - "Our command strategy is to implement 12-hour shifts to enhance officer availability. The added patrols increase the nighttime staffing numbers and will concentrate on retail and commercial areas of the City while responding to all calls for service.

Chief Mills addresses those individuals who may be thinking and planning on taking advantage of our hardworking community members who had to close down their shops or suspend services. We are working with the District Attorney to ensure criminals are held accountable during this state of emergency.

While the Santa Cruz Police Department is increasing our nighttime visibility in business and commercial districts, we ask business owners to help by:

· Keep your business lit at night, inside and out.

· Keep windows uncovered and free of obstruction.

· Make sure alarms, and video surveillance systems are working correctly and contact SCPD immediately regarding any suspicious activity.

· Empty cash registers and make it evident to others that they are empty by leaving them open with the drawers removed.

"Public health and safety remain paramount, and we ask residents to stay informed and follow the emergency measures outlined by the state and the City," said Chief Mills.

For information regarding COVID-19 cases and directives from Santa Cruz County Public Health officials, please visit http://www.santacruzhealth.org/coronavirus.

For the latest information about the COVID-19 virus, updates on the City's operations, and our response to COVID-19, visit http://www.cityofsantacruz.com/coronavirus.

COVID 19 Santa Cruz Responds: Mass Gatherings

Mass Gatherings Dangerous for Health of Our Community

The situation photographed yesterday of people at the clock tower for a rally is being addressed.

Gathering in large groups is reckless, irresponsible, and is a crime SCPD will enforce.

Chief Mills shares details here: https://chiefmills.com/…/03/24/covid-19-santa-cruz-responds/

#COVID19 #CommonSense #SocialDistancing