DATE/TIME: Thursday, March 6, 2025 / 2:41 p.m.
INCIDENT: PC 664/484f(b) – Attempted Fraud
LOCATION: 19000 block of Primrose Lane, Apple Valley
VICTIM(S): 75-year-old male of Apple Valley
SUSPECT(S): Alex Yu, 29-year-old male of San Francisco
SUMMARY: On Thursday March 6, 2025, at approximately 2:41 p.m., Sheriff's Service Specialist C. Chapdelaine was dispatched to a suspicious incident at a residence in the 19000 block of Primrose Lane in the town of Apple Valley. Chapdelaine contacted the 75-year-old victim and learned while he was using his computer a pop-up ad appeared. The pop-up ad told him he had been scammed and directed him to call a phone number for help. The victim dialed the number and was informed his information was compromised. The victim was instructed to withdraw $35,000 and meet an agent who would collect the funds to fix the problem.
The victim contacted local law enforcement to report the scam. Once Chapdelaine realized the meeting was to happen soon, deputies with Apple Valley Police Department arrived to assist at the victim’s residence. Shortly after, the suspect arrived at the residence to collect the $35,000 cash.
Alex Yu was arrested for attempted theft by fraud and transported to High Desert Detention Center. Yu was booked and subsequently posted bail.
Apple Valley Police Department reminds citizens to remain vigilant and informed regarding scams. Banks and government agencies will not ask you to withdraw large amounts of money and meet with agents. Thousands of Americans are scammed everyday by criminals playing on the emotions of people.
Anyone with any information about this investigation is asked to contact Deputy R. Grissom with Apple Valley Sheriff’s Station at (760) 240-7400 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or you may leave the information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.
Refer: Pamela Hoffman
Station: Apple Valley
Phone No: (760) 240-7428
Case No. 182401175
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
