Folsom Police host Oct. 20 neighborhood watch meeting on scams

Folsom residents can hear directly from police traffic officers and get tips on avoiding scams at the final Quarterly Neighborhood Watch Block Captain Meeting of 2026 on Tuesday, Oct. 20.

The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at the Folsom Police Department, 46 Natoma Street. Residents do not need to be a Neighborhood Watch block captain to attend, according to the city's announcement posted Monday, Oct. 12.

The agenda includes three items: an update from Folsom Police traffic officers, information on scam prevention and a preview of upcoming events with the Folsom Police and Fire departments.

The department described the meeting on its Instagram page as a chance for residents to ask questions and connect with local public safety staff.

Scam losses top $22,000 in early October

The scam prevention segment comes as Folsom police logged multiple fraud cases in early October. In one Oct. 5 report, unknown suspects posing as Publishers Clearing House directed a victim to hand over Amazon gift cards. The estimated loss was $600.

A separate Oct. 5 case involved larger losses. A victim received a text from someone claiming to be Apple Fraud Support, according to Folsom police logs. The victim purchased $5,000 in gift cards for the suspects, who also gained access to the victim's bank account and obtained an additional $17,000.

The City of Folsom has also warned residents about fraudulent emails impersonating city Planning Department staff and requesting wire transfers for project fees. City staff will never ask for wire transfers or send invoices from non-city email addresses, the city said.

Residents who receive a suspicious email claiming to be from the city can contact the Folsom Planning Division at 916-461-6202 or [email protected] to verify it.