Two Arrested in Palm Springs After Police Say Funeral Scam Used Photo of Living Child

Two people were arrested in Palm Springs this week after police say they used a photo of a living child to solicit money from drivers, falsely claiming the child had died.

Palm Springs Police officers responded Wednesday to reports of several people walking into the intersection at Ramon Road and San Luis Rey Drive, holding pictures of a young child and telling drivers they needed money for funeral expenses. Officers investigated and confirmed the child shown in the photos is alive.

Two suspects, both from Redlands, were arrested and face charges of obtaining money by false pretenses and conspiracy to commit a crime.

Police say these types of scams are common across the country, often using emotionally charged stories and images stolen from real charities or pulled from the internet. PSPD is asking residents not to give money to people stepping into roadways or standing on medians to solicit cash, particularly when emotional stories or photos are involved.

Anyone who encounters similar activity in Palm Springs can report it to the department's non-emergency line at 760-327-1441.