South San Francisco Comes Together for Senior Fraud Prevention Seminar

Published on November 18, 2025

More than 50 South San Francisco residents gathered on Tuesday night for an engaging and informative Senior Fraud Prevention Seminar hosted by Councilmember Mark Nagales and the South San Francisco Police Department’s Detective Kathleen Walsh. The event brought forward real-world examples and practical tools to help our residents recognize red flags, slow down high-pressure tactics, and protect themselves from common scams.

SSFPD walked attendees through several types of fraud now targeting seniors - from impersonation scams and fake “grandparent” emergency calls to sweepstakes schemes, romance scams, cryptocurrency-based “pig butchering,” and in-person theft scams such as jewelry swaps and ATM distractions. Officers also emphasized prevention strategies such as verifying identities, avoiding gift-card or crypto payments, pausing before responding to unexpected requests, and reaching out to trusted friends or family before sending money.

The evening closed with a strong message: staying informed and talking openly with loved ones is one of the most powerful ways to stop fraud in our community.

To learn more and access additional safety tips, visit the South San Francisco Police Department’s webpage.