California sheriff stops $32,000 scam on elderly woman, arrest made

(FOX40.COM) — A man was arrested for an alleged phone scam that almost cost a Grass Valley woman more than $30,000.
• Video Above: Scams circulating in California

The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office said the scam unfolded on Sept. 26 when an unsuspecting elderly woman in Grass Valley received a “Microsoft Windows error” message on her computer. The screen froze with a phone number on display to call for assistance. Deputies said she called the number as directed, but it was not Microsoft Windows—it was a scam.

After calling the number, the victim was asked to grant remote access to her computer to “fix” the issue. The alleged scammer indicated her computer had been compromised and told her there were signs of criminal activity associated with her computer and her bank transactions. The victim was also told she could be held liable for the crimes, according to NCSO.

Deputies said throughout the phone conversation, the victim was transferred to two other parties for assistance; a fictitious bank security officer and a fictitious federal agent. The scam escalated when the victim was convinced to remove $32,000 from her bank to prevent further fake criminal activity on her account and to aid the investigation.

“Most people don’t think they will fall victim to scams, but many of these scams are highly sophisticated and convincing, and they happen more often than people think,” said Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon. “A similar Microsoft scam was carried out over the summer with another victim out over $12,000.”

Before the money was scheduled to be handed over, the victim called her family, who said to call law enforcement. NCSO said it responded to the scene and waited inside the victim’s home to intercept the scammer. A 39-year-old San Francisco man showed up to collect the $32,000 and was arrested for alleged attempted grand theft, obtaining money by false pretense, conspiracy to commit a crime, and elder theft.

“It is our hope this latest scam attempt serves as an ongoing reminder of the seriousness of scams and the importance of checking in with your family and loved ones anytime something urgent or time-sensitive comes up involving money,” Moon said. “When in doubt, always call authorities.”

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