Press Release: Sheriff’s Office Investigating Multiple Frauds

DATE/TIME: August 2nd, 2024 / 1300 hours

TYPE OF INCIDENT: Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Multiple Fraud Thefts Where Suspects Are Coming To Victim Homes to Collect Money, $97,000 lost

LOCATION: Carmel Valley, Pebble Beach

MEDIA CONTACT: Andres Rosas, Commander; Phone: 831-261-5492; Email: rosasae@countyofmonterey.gov

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is asking the community to be alert due to an increase in online and phone fraud incidents where suspects are coming to victims’ homes to collect money. The incidents, targeting senior citizens, have resulted in $97,000 lost. One arrest has been made.

Since May of 2024, our office has received multiple reports of incidents in which victims, all senior citizens, received messages via email or pop-up messages on their computers. In one case, a victim began receiving audio instructions to enter information into his computer. Other instances asked victims to contact a reputable software company regarding suspected fraudulent activity to personal bank accounts. In all cases, victims ultimately began speaking with an individual who identified themselves as being an employee of the Federal Trade Commission or their personal bank.

Victims were instructed to go to their bank and withdraw sums of money ranging from $10,000 to $40,000. The suspects instructed victims to go to multiple bank branches to withdraw money to not raise suspicion of fraud activity to bank employees. They were then instructed to package the money and wait for a person to come to their residence to pick up the package. In all four reported incidents, a person arrived at the victim’s residence and picked up the money and got away.

On July 16th, 2024, one of our victim’s was contacted a second time and asked to withdraw and package additional funds to be picked up. The victim contacted the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office and reported what was happening. Detectives and Deputies were able to coordinate efforts and respond to the victim’s home. The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Yang Liu of Alhambra, California, was arrested when he met with the victim and collected a package. He was booked into Monterey County Jail on multiple felony charges.

The most recent incident was reported on August 1st, 2024, where our victim lost $40,000.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office asks the community to be alert. Speak with older parents, family members and friends who may be a target of this type of crime and make them aware of what is happening. Fraud Suspects will tell you not to notify Law Enforcement and to not hang up the phone. DO NOT LISTEN TO THEM. Hang up and call law enforcement to report the incident. No reputable bank or law enforcement agency will ever ask you to withdraw money from your bank account and have it ready for pick up at your house. If you suspect fraud, it likely is. Always call your bank or financial institution directly at published numbers to inquire about fraud activity. Do not call numbers provided by text message, pop-up message or email. If you find yourself speaking to a suspected fraud suspect, ask them if you can notify law enforcement before speaking to them. If they say no, HANG UP IMMEDIATELY. No reputable bank will ever tell you not to speak to law enforcement.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office asks you to help spread the word and help protect the community from fraud.