Full Notification

SUBJECT: Redwood City Police Arrest Suspect in Elder Fraud Scheme

LOCATION: Unit Block of Southgate Street, Redwood City

DATE/TIME: August 19, 2026, Approximately 3:00 P.M.

On August 19, 2026, a Redwood City resident contacted the Redwood City Police Department after becoming suspicious that she was the target of a fraud scheme.

The victim reported receiving messages on her iPhone claiming that “AppleCare” had detected suspicious activity associated with her phone. The victim subsequently spoke with individuals posing as AppleCare support representatives, who told her there were fraudulent charges associated with her bank account. The suspects instructed the victim to withdraw cash from her account and provide it to a “courier” who would come to her residence to collect the money.

After being contacted by the victim, Redwood City Police investigators coordinated further communication with the suspects and developed a plan to identify and apprehend the courier if one arrived.

During the evening hours of August 20, 2026, investigators identified a suspicious vehicle repeatedly driving near the victim’s residence. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the driver fled at a high rate of speed. Due to traffic conditions and the danger posed to the public, officers did not initiate a vehicle pursuit.

Investigators then utilized Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology to assist in determining where the suspect vehicle had traveled. A short time later, investigators learned the vehicle was in San Francisco.

Redwood City investigators immediately contacted the San Francisco Police Department and provided information regarding the investigation and suspect vehicle. SFPD utilized its Real-Time Investigation Center (RTIC) and other available resources to locate the vehicle. When SFPD officers attempted to apprehend the driver, he again attempted to flee. SFPD officers were ultimately able to disable the vehicle and safely take the driver into custody.

The driver was identified as 22-year-old Fresno resident Sartaj Singh.
Singh was subsequently arrested and booked into the San Mateo County Maguire Correctional Facility on suspicion of the following offenses:

• Penal Code 368(d)(1) – Financial elder abuse
• Penal Code 664/487 – Attempted grand theft
• Penal Code 182 – Conspiracy to commit a crime
• Penal Code 530.5 - Fraud

Fraud schemes such as this can be sophisticated and convincing. Suspects frequently pose as representatives of legitimate businesses, financial institutions, government agencies, or law enforcement and create a sense of urgency designed to pressure victims into providing money or personal information. In some cases, suspects direct victims to withdraw large amounts of cash, purchase gift cards or cryptocurrency, or provide money directly to a courier.

Unfortunately, many of these crimes are not reported until after a victim has suffered a significant financial loss. In this case, the victim recognized that something was wrong and contacted law enforcement before any money was turned over to the suspects. Her decision to contact police allowed investigators to intervene before a financial loss occurred and ultimately led to the identification and arrest of a suspect.

The Redwood City Police Department would also like to thank the San Francisco Police Department for its immediate assistance,coordination, and swift action in locating and apprehending the suspect.

This investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the Redwood City Police Department’s non-emergency number at (650)780-7100