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    Chief's Corner - February 2023 Edition

    Do not be misled by phishing scams. From emails to text messages and phone calls attempting to get you to share personal information, there is no shortage of creative ways criminals will work to swindle you out of your hard-earned cash. With Valentine’s Day approaching, I want to bring attention to a popular avenue thieves will utilize to find victims - online dating sites and apps. Criminals who carry out romance scams are experts at what they do and will seem genuine, caring, and believable. Con artists are present on many dating and social media sites. Sadly, many who become victims of this theft do not report it, allowing thieves to continue victimizing others. I have a few tips to help you avoid becoming a victim.

    • First, be careful what you share online. Scammers will use details shared on social media and dating sites to target you better.
    • Research the person’s photo and profile using online searches to see if the image, name, or details have been used elsewhere.
    • Go slowly and ask many questions about the person.
    • Beware if the individual seems too perfect or quickly asks you to leave a dating service or social media site to communicate directly.
    • Beware if the individual attempts to isolate you from friends and family or requests inappropriate photos or financial information that could later be used to extort you.
    • Be leery if the individual promises to meet in person but then always comes up with excuses for why he or she can’t. If you haven’t met the person after a few months, for whatever reason, you have good reason to be suspicious.
    • Please, never send money to anyone you have only communicated with online or by phone.


    Stop all contact immediately if you suspect an online relationship is a scam. If you have reason to believe you are the victim of a romance scam, please file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov and reach out to the Oceanside Police Department. Investigators at OPD have joined efforts with the FBI’s elder justice task force which addresses these types of crimes when they target the elderly, as they often do. Never hesitate to come forward if you need assistance or suspect a loved one may be a victim. We are here to help.


    MainStreet Oceanside’s Public Safety Night is on Thursday, February 2nd, from 5 pm to 8 pm, and we will be there to meet you and share public safety information. Please stop by and say hello.

    Do not miss out on the latest information from the Oceanside Police Department. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube for additional resources, safety tips, and upcoming department events. There are various career opportunities available at the Oceanside Police Department, from police officer positions to professional staff careers. If you are willing to work hard, be nice, and help change lives, we have a place for you on the team at OPD. Visit joinopd.net to learn more about current job openings.

    Thank you, and be safe.