Officer Tracy Mlynarczyk retired from the White Bear Lake Police Department, Minnesota, after 28 years of service Well done Sister.

Post-Fire Recovery Scam Warnings

In the aftermath of recent fires, scammers are actively targeting vulnerable individuals and families, exploiting their distress. Below are important warnings to help you recognize and avoid some of the most common scams.

False Job Solicitation Scams:
If you are looking for work related to fire recovery, beware of job offers circulating on social media that claim to be from the government or reputable agencies. These offers are often fraudulent and designed to steal your personal information. The job postings are not from legitimate sources. Scammers may ask you to submit personal details, such as your Social Security number, bank account information, or other sensitive data. Never provide personal information through links found on social media, especially if the offer seems too good to be true. Always verify job offers through official, government-approved channels or the agency's official website.

Fake City, County, or Federal Employees:
Do not trust anyone who approaches you claiming to be a representative of the City, County, or Federal government without proper identification. Government workers will not ask for payment for services on the spot or pressure you into making immediate decisions. Verify their credentials by contacting the relevant agency directly using official contact information, not the details they provide.

Phone and Text Message Scams:
Beware of unsolicited phone calls asking for donations for fire recovery or claiming to help you recover your losses. Legitimate organizations will not cold-call you for donations. Scammers may impersonate FEMA or insurance agents, asking for sensitive information like Social Security numbers or bank account details. Always hang up and call back using verified contact details. Never click on links or attachments in texts from unknown numbers, especially those offering "assistance" or "recovery help." These are often phishing attempts designed to steal your information. If you receive a text claiming to be from a government agency or insurance company, do not respond. Instead, verify their authenticity through official channels.

Unsolicited In-Person Solicitations:
Be cautious of people approaching you in person offering "free help" with repairs, insurance claims, or government assistance. Always ask for identification and do not make decisions on the spot. Contact the agency or organization they claim to represent directly before agreeing to anything.

Gift Card or Payment Scams:
Scammers may ask you to pay for services or "government fees" using gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Legitimate agencies will never ask for payments in these forms. If anyone requests payment in these unusual ways, report the incident immediately.

Fraudulent Donations:
Be cautious when donating to fire relief efforts. Always verify the legitimacy of the charity or organization, especially if they reached out to you directly. Use trusted platforms like Charity Navigator to check the legitimacy of organizations before making a donation.

Resources to Verify Authenticity of badges, credentials, and information you receive:

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)
Phone: (877) 275-5273
Website: www.lapdonline.org

California Department of Insurance
Phone: (800) 927-4357
Website: www.insurance.ca.gov

California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
Phone: (800) 321-CSLB (2752)
Website: www.cslb.ca.aov

Los Angeles County Consumer & Business Affairs
Phone: (800) 593-8222
Website: dcba.lacounty.gov

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Phone: (800) 621-3362
Website: www.fema.gov

Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Phone: (213) 631-3600
Website: www.bbb.org

Stay Safe and Informed!

Always trust your instincts. If something feels off, take a step back and verify before proceeding. Together, we can protect ourselves and our neighbors from fraud and scams. Remain vigilant and report scams to the resources given above.

JetBlue representatives said, “the circumstances surrounding how they accessed the aircraft remain under investigation.”

Well that's concerning...

Read more: https://lawenforcementtoday.com/two-men-found-dead-in-landing-gear-compartment-of-jetblue-flight

Maryland: A Baltimore Police officer was injured while attempting to stop a vehicle whose owner was wanted on a warrant on Thursday night.

The person behind the wheel initially appeared to cooperate with the traffic stop, but then hit the gas pedal, striking the officer and a patrol car.

The injured officer was taken to a local hospital to receive "treatment for leg pain," Eldridge said.

Please join us in sending prayers and, or positive thoughts for his recovery. 🙏🏻

More: https://foxbaltimore.com/news/local/baltimore-police-officer-hospitalized-after-hit-and-run-during-traffic-stop-attempt#

GOD IS GOOD!!!

New video: The Palisades Fire right at ignition.

What do you notice about these videos?

20 LAPD personnel have lost their homes in these fires and dozens more are displaced.

Please consider donating in support of our efforts in assisting them during these difficult times.

https://losangelespolicefoundation-bloom.kindful.com/?campaign=1344816

LA Police Foundation

We know many are eager to get back into the evacuation zones and have been lining up at entry points. Please note, access is currently unavailable through Santa Monica. Entry to these areas is controlled by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). For information on access permissions and restrictions, we recommend contacting LAPD directly. 

For your safety, please do not come to evacuation entry points. These areas remain unsafe, and unauthorized entry puts everyone, including first responders, at risk. 

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we prioritize safety during this challenging time. Stay informed by visiting http://santamonica.gov and following the city’s official social media channels for updates.

Santa Monica Police

LA fire 🤬🤬🤬

UPDATE: It just reached over 100k signatures and climbing.

https://www.change.org/p/demand-the-immediate-resignation-of-mayor-karen-bass

The Santa Ana winds are no joke.

BREAKING! There are enough votes to confirm all Trump nominees, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard, Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall believes.

Leading Report

New video breaks down the embarrassment: In response to a new defamation lawsuit, 14 Minneapolis cops say the assistant police chief lied on the stand at the Derek Chauvin trial when she said the department doesn’t train the restraint method he used. Indeed, she herself used it to detain a rioter in 2014.

Seattle's Bike Squad made a significant arrest in Belltown on Sunday, apprehending a convicted felon during a surveillance operation. After witnessing multiple narcotics transactions, officers coordinated an arrest, leading to a foot chase and the suspect's capture. In addition to arresting the 66-year-old suspect, officers recovered a loaded .45 caliber handgun and an assortment of illegal substances, including meth, fentanyl, crack cocaine, and cash.

The suspect, who was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to his criminal record, now faces multiple charges, including unlawful possession of narcotics and a firearm. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Bike Squad and the Narcotics Unit, another dangerous individual has been taken off the streets. 💙

*NEWS INTERRUPTION*

The Houston Fire Department sadly announced the off-duty death of Fire Captain Aaron Rios. 46, he passed away after an off-duty medical emergency that occurred over the holidays.

Rest Easy Brother. Prayers for his family of red and blood. 🙏🏻

Mexico: Report that a police station is under attack in Galeana, Nuevo León

All Source News