A Public Safety Seminar, co-hosted by Irvine Councilmember Melinda Liu’s office and community partners, drew a strong turnout at the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center on September 18.
Prosecutors, police and fire officials shared practical tips on fraud, theft, wildfire safety and emergency response.
Liu noted Irvine has long been regarded as one of America’s safest cities based on FBI crime data—but safe does not mean risk-free.
With scams and home burglaries constantly evolving, residents must stay alert and take precautions.
She added that the seminar brought frontline experts together to share practical safety advice, urging residents to take those lessons home and share them with family and neighbors—turning fraud, theft and disaster prevention into everyday habits.
Orange County Deputy District Attorney David Chen said scams commonly come through mail, online, phone, TV/radio and in person.
Scammers exploit fear, trust and investment promises—and anyone with savings or assets can be targeted.
Chen described cases in which scammers posed as banks, tech companies or law enforcement, then pressured victims to withdraw cash or buy gold and hand it to fake federal agents.
Spot Scams｜Guard Savings
Orange County Deputy District Attorney David Chen said one victim in a case he handled lost more than $2.5 million.
Fraud proceeds can move out of state or overseas within 24 hours, making recovery difficult even after arrests and convictions.
Chen stressed one key warning: “The government will not call and demand payment to avoid arrest.”
He also warned about romance and investment scams, often called “pig-butchering” schemes.
Scammers first build trust through online friendships or by posing as acquaintances, then lure victims with promises of high returns.
Even friends, fellow community members or church contacts should be independently verified before any financial transaction.
Chen summed up fraud prevention in four essentials: protect personal information, review accounts regularly, verify before acting, and report fraud quickly.
Never let threats, urgency or promises of easy profits rush you into a decision.
Scams Evolve｜Verify First
Irvine Police Department Public Safety Assistant Jordan Liu was discussing a recent Zelle scam when she received a scam call on the spot—a striking reminder of how widespread fraud has become.
In the case she described, scammers claimed they had accidentally sent more than $9,000 and showed the victim a fake transfer screenshot.
The out-of-state victim withdrew cash and sent it to a vacant Irvine home for pickup.
The homeowner spotted a stranger retrieving the envelope through a security camera and called police.
Officers stopped the suspect and found more than $100,000 in additional cash inside the vehicle.
Liu urged residents to verify any unexpected payment directly with their bank and never return money based solely on a screenshot or a caller’s instructions.
Prevent Fires｜Protect Homes
Orange County Fire Authority Captain Chris Chang began the program by giving residents a close look at fire engines, firefighter gear and Irvine’s fire-station network before discussing wildfire prevention, home safety and emergency response.
Chang said hotter temperatures, drier vegetation and the spread of more combustible grasses have increased wildfire risks across Southern California.
Fire agencies are working on native-plant restoration and soil improvement to reduce hazards in hillside areas.
He also reminded drivers to yield safely to responding fire engines and keep emergency routes clear so crews can reach incidents without delay.
Liu emphasized that community safety cannot depend on police and firefighters alone. A little more awareness—and one earlier call—can help stop a crime or keep an emergency from getting worse.
Former South Coast Chinese Cultural Association Board Chair Mike Chen thanked Councilmember Linda Liu’s office, the Irvine Evergreen Chinese Senior Association, Taiwanese American Cultural Development Association, ALC, OCCC and Asian American Senior Citizens Service Center for co-hosting the event.
He also thanked prosecutors, police and firefighters for sharing practical guidance on fraud, theft and disaster preparedness, helping residents make everyday life and their homes safer.
