Sheriff’s Office warns of computer/phone scam

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — The Sheriff’s Office has recently had numerous reports of sophisticated scams occurring within San Luis Obispo County. One scam in particular is targeting older residents and has generated several calls to the Sheriff’s Office.

The scam works the following way: individuals report they are getting pop-ups on their computers advising their computer has been compromised. The pop-up will advise them to call a phone number immediately in order to prevent any loss. Once the number is called, the suspects on the phone will be professional and attempt to be helpful by transferring them to their bank’s fraud department when actually they are just transferring the victim to another scammer.

The suspects will speak to the victim over multiple days, provide detailed information, and eventually arrange a meet-up to collect the cash the victim has withdrawn at the victim’s house. The suspects will arrange with the victim to only give the money to someone who has a security code. This is to “prove” that they are legitimate.

Victims have lost large amounts of money with one person losing more than $60,000 and another losing over $120,000.

If you receive something suspicious like a pop-up on your computer saying you have been hacked or a phone call demanding money, contact the Sheriff’s Office to speak with law enforcement about these circumstances so they can hopefully prevent any loss.