Computer scam targets SLO County seniors, sheriff warns. One lost $120,000

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office has received numerous reports of a computer scam that’s targeting seniors throughout the county, including one report of an individual who lost over $120,000.

According to a Friday news release, individuals have received pop-ups on their computers saying their computer has been compromised. The warning tells them to call a phone number immediately to prevent any loss.

Once an individual calls the number, the suspect says they will transfer the victim to their bank’s fraud department, only to pass them to another scammer who will speak to the victim over multiple days.

They ultimately arrange to meet at the victim’s home to collect cash that the victim has withdrawn, the release said. The suspects tell the victim the person they will meet with has a security code. This is to “prove” they are legitimate, the Sheriff’s Office said.

Some victims have lost large amounts of money with one person losing over $60,000 and another losing over $120,000.

The Sheriff’s Office advises for people to report suspicious computer pop-ups and phone calls demanding money.

It also advises peope to tell family and friends about this scam to prevent it from happening. The Sheriff’s Office contact is Tony Cipolla at 805-781-4547.