Month: September 2026

PALM DESERT, CA (KESQ) – Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, using increasingly convincing tactics to target victims, and experts say artificial intelligence is making it even harder to tell what’s real and what’s a scam.

The issue is especially concerning for aging and senior populations, including communities across the Coachella Valley.

To help residents recognize warning signs and protect themselves, an upcoming “Scaminar” in Palm Desert will focus on some of the most common scam patterns being seen today and offer practical steps people can take to avoid becoming victims.

According to the IRS, financial crimes targeting seniors continue to be a growing concern, with more than $2 billion in reported losses last year, an eightfold increase since 2020.

Leeann Flores, a senior vice president with Bank of America, said fraud can affect people from all walks of life and often happens before victims realize they are being targeted.

“Fraud is on the rise, and innocent people lose their hard-earned money every day because of these scams,” Flores said. “While our bankers are trained to spot these scams, unfortunately by the time we see it, it is too late. And we really want to help people get ahead of it before it’s too late.”

The Palm Desert “Scaminar” will cover scam trends and techniques designed to make fraudulent calls, messages and other forms of communication appear legitimate.

Organizers say the goal is to give residents the information they need to recognize red flags, slow down when something feels suspicious and take steps to protect their finances and personal information.

The event will be held September 25 at the Bank of America Palm Desert branch.

The “Scaminar” is free and open to the public.

BEAUMONT, Calif. (KESQ) – The elected City Treasurer of Beaumont has been charged with multiple offenses following a public corruption investigation, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office announced on Tuesday.

Anup Giresh “AJ” Patel, 39, was charged with providing false information on Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) return forms regarding a motel he operated in the city, and subsequently stealing another individual’s identity to communicate with the city and make false claims regarding the TOT he owed, resulting in six felony counts:

• Count 1: Penal Code section 118(a), Perjury, on or about April 5, 2021• Count 2: Penal Code section 118(a), Perjury, on or about August 19, 2022• Count 3: Penal Code section 118(a), Perjury, on or about March 13, 2024• Count 4: Penal Code section 530.5(a), Identity Theft, on or about May 6, 2025, through May 30, 2025• Count 5: Penal Code section 470(d), Forgery, on or about May 6, 2025• Count 6: Penal Code section 529(a)(3), False Personation, on or about May 30, 2025

According to the DA’s office, an investigation by its Public Integrity Unit revealed that Patel submitted multiple Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) return forms to the City of Beaumont, signed under penalty of perjury, that stated he received $0 in gross rent for occupancy of rooms from April 2020 through December 2023 in a motel he operated in the City.

In January 2025, the city initiated an audit on all motels/hotels from January 2021 through December 2023. The audit showed Mr. Patel’s motel collected $1,667,300.68 in gross rent from January 2021 through December 2023. Mr. Patel, as owner of the motel, owed the city $166,730.07 in TOT plus additional penalties for the timeframe.

Additionally, Patel stole another individual’s identity and used it to create a fraudulent lease agreement and communicate with the city of Beaumont regarding the Transient Occupancy Tax owed to the city.

If convicted on all counts, Patel faces a maximum of six years, four months in state prison.

Patel posted bail in the amount of $30,000 and is scheduled to appear in court for an arraignment hearing on October 26, 2026.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Natasha Sorace of the District Attorney’s Public Integrity Unit.

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Raju Mehta, owner of El Paseo Jewelers, will be the Grand Marshal of the 20th Anniversary Paint El Paseo Pink, the Desert Cancer Foundation (DCF) announced on Tuesday.

Paint El Paseo Pink will take place Saturday, October 10, 2026, on El Paseo in Palm Desert. The event supports the Desert Cancer Foundation, uniting the Coachella Valley in the fight against cancer. Thousands of participants are expected to join.

Organizers said Mehta was selected for the honor in recognition of his years of dedication, generosity and philanthropic support of Desert Cancer Foundation and the local residents it serves.

“Raju has been an incredible friend and supporter of Desert Cancer Foundation for many years,” said Mark Scheibach, Executive Director of Desert Cancer Foundation. “His generosity and genuine compassion for our community embody everything Paint El Paseo Pink represents. As we celebrate this milestone 20th Anniversary, we could not think of anyone more deserving to lead us down El Paseo.”

Through El Paseo Jewelers and his personal philanthropy, Mehta has a longstanding history of giving back to the Coachella Valley. His support of DCF has helped the Foundation continue its mission of ensuring that local residents facing cancer can access the care and treatment they need, regardless of their ability to pay.

“It’s an honor to be Grand Marshal of Paint El Paseo Pink 2026 for a cause that is near and dear to my heart. Cancer is a terrible disease that affects not only the patients but also their families. Desert Cancer Foundation does amazing work supporting patients with any type of cancer throughout their treatment, and in turn lessens the burden to the families allowing them to be present for their loved ones”, Mehta expressed.

Proceeds benefit Desert Cancer Foundation, a 100% donor-funded nonprofit providing financial assistance for cancer-related medical care to residents of the Coachella Valley and surrounding communities. To register for Paint El Paseo Pink, please visit www.desertcancerfoundation.org