The Hemet Police Department has been receiving several calls from concerned citizens today after they were contacted over the phone and cash was requested. The callers usually say they are from 'The Local Food Bank' and ask potential victims to leave cash donations in a plain envelope outside their door.
Hemet's Community Pantry also called Hemet Police to advise they too have been alerted of this scam. Community Pantry confirmed they are NOT calling residents asking for cash donations.
Please DO NOT leave cash 'donations' or provide these scam artists with any of your personal information. As always, if you would like to donate to Community Pantry, or any other legitimate charity, it is recommended YOU contact the charity directly to make arrangements.
Phone and other scams often increase following disasters and during holiday seasons.
Hemet's Community Pantry can be contacted at 951 929-1101 or visited at 521 N. San Jacinto Street, Hemet, CA 92543, www.hemetcommunitypantry.org
Please click the ADDITIONAL INFO... link for additional information and a press release dated March 30th, 2012.