San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office investigates phishing scheme
March 06, 2024
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Contact for further information: Gretchen Spiker, Director of Communications, pio@smcgov.org
March 6, 2024
San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office investigates phishing scheme
EL GRANADA, Calif. – On Wednesday, March 6, 2024, San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to the 600 block of Sonora Ave. in El Granada on a report of an elderly woman who had been the victim of a phishing scheme.
The victim told Deputies she received a fraudulent email link impersonating a popular online money exchange company. After consultation from the sender, the victim was instructed to remove cash from her bank account and meet with a courier in person. At around noon on Wednesday, the victim gave her money to the courier as instructed, after which the courier walked away and left the area. The courier is described as an adult Asian male, approximately 6 feet tall, weighing around 200 pounds. He was last seen wearing a blue sweatshirt and dark pants.
The Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating this case. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office at 650-363-4911. Additionally, anonymous tips can be provided via the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office Anonymous Tip Line at 1-800-547-2700.
Safety Tip: Use caution and avoid sharing personal banking information with anyone who solicits that information from you online or over the phone, especially if you are asked to provide money.
