Earlier this month, the Santa Maria Police Department reported two instances of apparent bank fraud committed against elderly residents.
According to a press release from the police, an individual contacted the residents claiming to be a representative from their respective banks. During the call, the suspect was able to correctly identify each of the victims’ banking institutions and account information.
The individual told the victims that their banks suspected an employee was stealing money from various accounts, and then asked them to help with his investigation by withdrawing money from their accounts and meeting him at a designated location.
The suspect allegedly met with the victims and took their money with the understanding it was going to be returned to their accounts. After the exchange, however, the suspect reportedly walked away and the victims never saw their money again.
The suspect is believed to be a white male in his 40s to 50s, of medium build, about 5-foot-7 to 5-foot-10, with graying hair and light eyes.
People who receive such a call are urged not to provide any information over the phone, and should contact their banking institutions and local law enforcement agencies immediately.
This article appears in Mar 19-26, 2009.