Full Notification

This week, detectives investigated a fraud case where an elderly woman lost over $25,000.

The woman was contacted by an individual posing as a computer repairman. After conning the elderly woman into give him some personal information, he used it to pose a story, eventually convincing the woman to draw $10,000 out of her account. A few days later he contacted her again, gave a lengthy, detailed story and once again, managed to get her to send him another $10,000. Finally, he used information he had learned about the elderly woman through their conversations, to frighten her into giving him yet another $5,000. It was all a scam.

As we sit and read this of course we think our parents/grandparents/older neighbors/family members would never fall for this. But it's important to remember, these con artists are professionals. Sometimes it's a computer scam, other times it's "you won money but have to send money first" and other times it's "grandma I'm in jail and need bail money", but all of these calls are meant to scare, confuse, panic and force the older person to make a rushed, rash decision. All of these phone calls end with the older person being out thousands of dollars.

As the holiday season approaches, take a few moments to talk to the older loved ones in your life and remind them of these scams. Advise them to NEVER give any personal information out and to NEVER send any money, gift cards, or checks. Let them know it's ok to hang up, take a breath and think the information through. Ensure they always confirm information through a trusted person.

And if they are ever in doubt, have them give us a call first! Our deputies and dispatchers would be more than happy to confirm the validity of a scam. We are just a phone call away at (661) 948-8466!

"If You See Something, Say Something"
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Lancaster Station at (661) 948-8466. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP, “P3 Mobile” for the hearing impaired on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.
 
 
 
Lancaster Sheriff’s Station polices the City of Lancaster, Antelope Valley College in Lancaster, and the unincorporated communities of Antelope Acres, Lake Los Angeles, and Quartz Hill in the Antelope Valley.
 
Ali Villalobos
Lancaster Sheriff’s Station
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
501 W Lancaster Boulevard
Lancaster, CA 93534
Station (661) 948-8466
Desk (661) 524-2154
Website: http://www.Lancaster.lasd.org
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