San Leandro, CA – On July 21, 2026, a victim reported being targeted the previous day in a cash-switch confidence scam, commonly known as a “pigeon drop” scam.
The victim was approached outside their residence by an individual who claimed to have inherited $3 million but needed to donate $200,000 before receiving it. In this type of scam, suspects display what appears to be a large amount of money and ask victims to provide their own cash as a demonstration of trust. The suspects then take the victim’s money and leave behind counterfeit or otherwise worthless currency.
Although the victim recognized the scam, one of the suspects located $15,000 that the victim had in their vehicle for a planned vehicle purchase and fled with the money.
Following an investigation, San Leandro Police detectives identified 40-year-old Kevin Brown of Tracy as a likely suspect and obtained warrants for Brown’s arrest and the search of Brown’s residence.
On July 29, 2026, detectives detained Brown. During a subsequent search of Brown’s residence, detectives recovered more than $65,000 in cash, two unlawfully possessed handguns, extended magazines, and evidence believed to be associated with similar scams.
Brown was arrested and booked at Santa Rita Jail. Brown was subsequently charged by the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office with grand theft, financial elder abuse, conspiracy, and firearms-related offenses.
“These scams rely on gaining a victim’s trust and creating a sense of urgency. We encourage community members to be cautious whenever someone unexpectedly approaches them with an offer involving large sums of money,” said Lieutenant Jeff Walton.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information regarding Brown or similar incidents is encouraged to contact the San Leandro Police Department.
