Over the past several days, officers from the Palm Desert and Rancho Mirage Police Departments have received several calls regarding door-to-door meat vendors possibly involved in a scam to take advantage of local residents.

Information gathered from officers at these local incidents determined a male and a female driving a white commercial van with Georgia license plate AEC8101 were going door-to-door claiming the resident had previously placed an order for high-quality steaks or meat.

The resident was then quoted a price for the meat that totaled hundreds of dollars. After the money was paid, the homeowner was left with a box containing either no meat or small amounts of low quality meat whose value was clearly less than the amount quoted.

The Palm Desert and Rancho Mirage Police Departments would like to remind residents to use caution when purchasing goods from mobile vendors. They are encouraged to reject orders they have not placed and to check for the vendor’s city license and Riverside County Health Department certification if they choose to buy. The Better Business Bureau is also a valuable resource and can be contacted if any questions arise.

The Palm Desert and Rancho Mirage Police Departments are asking that anyone with information regarding these incidents contact their local law enforcement agencies or contact the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station at (760) 836-1600. Information may also be reported anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (760) 341-STOP.