Over the past several months, the Marin County Sheriff's Office has seen an increase in the number of internet and phone scams, specifically targeting the elderly population of our community. In most cases the victim is contacted by a scammer posing as a bank employee or even as law enforcement and advises the potential victim that they need to withdraw money from their bank.

Although each incident is unique the Marin County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division has identified commonalities in many of these cases. Below are the most common methods the scammers have used to steal money.

Fraudulent “pop-ups” on a computer or digital device

• This pop-up advises the victim’s bank accounts or computer has been compromised. There is typically a phone number or email address provided for the victim to call
• Once the victim calls, a subject answers and pretends to be part of the “fraud department” of their respective financial institution or anti-virus software company
• The victim is told their accounts have been used to purchase illegal goods and not taking action may put them at more of a risk
• The victim is advised to remove large quantities of cash from their bank to move to a new account, set up by the scammer
• Often a ‘courier’ is sent to the victim’s home to collect the cash and ‘make a deposit’ for them into the new account

In some cases, the scammers direct their intended victims to purchase gold, and the gold is collected by the ‘courier’ rather than cash.

If you get a “Pop-Up” on your device, do not call the number provided.  Locate a number for your device’s manufacturer or antivirus software by going to their official website.  If you are advised there has been fraud on your bank accounts, go directly to a local branch or contact the bank directly through their official website contact sources. You can call the official number for advice.  There is no legitimate situation where a company will request delivery of cash/currency by courier.

Loved One Bail Scam

• The victim receives a phone call claiming their loved one or child has been arrested for a crime and needs bail money
• Often times the victim is directed to contact a “Bail Bondsman” or “lawyer” to assist in the process
• The scammer advises that cash bail is the only option and the victim needs to withdraw money
• The victim is told that a ‘courier’ will pickup the funds, or the victim should purchase gift cards with the cash. If gift cards are requested, the suspect requests the card numbers over the phone

If you get a call from a “family member” or “law enforcement officer” claiming to need bail money, hang up and attempt to call your family member directly.  If you’re unable to reach them, contact the jail where they said they are being held, or check the jail’s booking log (typically available online). There is no reason to withdraw funds or purchase gift cards and provide them to unknown individuals.