You are not alone
Get help now
If you think you were scammed, help is one call away.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For suspected financial exploitation or fraud, these free help lines can guide you.
When to call each line
Riverside Adult Protective Services: For suspected abuse or financial exploitation of an older adult in Riverside County. Available all day, every day.
National Elder Fraud Hotline: For adults 60 and older who have experienced financial fraud. Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–3 p.m. Pacific time.
Practice spotting a scam
These are common kinds of scam texts. Pick a message, then tap to reveal its three red flags.
Three rules that help you pause a scam
Do not pay under pressure
A government office or utility will not demand payment with gift cards or a payment app. Stop and check using a number you found yourself.
Do not call a pop-up number
A warning on your screen may be fake. Do not call the number in the pop-up or let a stranger control your device.
Caller ID can be faked
A familiar name or number on your screen does not prove who is calling. Hang up and call back using a number you trust.
Just paid or shared access?
- Call your bank or payment provider using a number you already trust, such as the one on the back of your card. Ask to stop or reverse the payment.
- If someone connected to your device, disconnect it from the internet or turn it off. Do not pay anyone who promises to recover your money for a fee.
- Call a help line above. You deserve support without blame.
Our promise: no sales, no secrets
We will never sell you anything or ask for your Social Security number, bank or card details, passwords, or money.
We will never send you a link to your practice. If a message claims to be from us and includes one, it is not from us.
Training calendar
Classes on spotting scams and staying safe online, held with our community partners.
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Coming soon
No classes are scheduled for November yet. New dates will be posted here.
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Coming soon
No classes are scheduled for December yet. New dates will be posted here.
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Coming soon
No classes are scheduled for January yet. New dates will be posted here.
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Coming soon
No classes are scheduled for February yet. New dates will be posted here.
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Coming soon
No classes are scheduled for March yet. New dates will be posted here.
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Coming soon
No classes are scheduled for April yet. New dates will be posted here.
Dates can change. Check with the host before you go.
About this project
Desert Online Safety Project is a volunteer-led community education project made for the Coachella Valley, from Desert Hot Springs and Palm Springs to Indio, Coachella and Mecca. We help people here spot scams and stay safe online.
What we do
- Free talks on spotting scams, protecting your phone and accounts, and knowing where to get help.
- In English and in Spanish, at senior centers, libraries and community rooms across the valley.
- For older adults, and for the families and caregivers who look out for them.
- No sales, and we never collect your personal information.
Who we are
We are local volunteers. The project was started by a Desert Hot Springs native who works in cybersecurity.
Becoming a nonprofit
We are working on making Desert Online Safety Project a nonprofit. Until that process is complete, we do not ask for or accept donations.
Class dates
Upcoming classes are posted on the training calendar.
See the training calendar