Tulare County DA Warns of New Financial Scam

District Attorney Tim Ward is warning of a financial scam targeting Tulare County residents, particularly seniors, with bogus claims that personal bank and investment accounts have been compromised.

"This scam is happening in Tulare County, and the Office of the District Attorney has prosecuted and is currently prosecuting offenders involved in the scam," said Tulare County District Attorney Tim Ward.

The scam begins as many others do, with an erroneous pop-up computer ad or a phone call. The message is that a government agency has discovered your financial accounts have been compromised or that you are the subject of an investigation.

To protect your funds, you are directed to withdraw large sums of cash and pass it off to an "agent" who will protect and reinvest your money. It's not a one-time occurrence. Once successful, the scammers will demand more.

"Victims in Tulare County have lost tens of thousands of dollars before law enforcement was able to intervene," Ward said. "We've been able to file two separate criminal cases against individuals acting as couriers or 'agents' of the scammers tasked with physically retrieving cash from victims. Those directing the scam are much more difficult to track as many of these scams originate outside of the United States."

The District Attorney's Office reminds the public to be vigilant and to recognize far-fetched schemes for what they are.

"State and federal agencies do not operate this way," Ward said. "If there is an issue, they will contact you by mail. Even then you can cross-check contact numbers and addresses to make sure it is legitimate. The government will not call you or communicate through an internet pop-up ad."

It is important for family members, friends and caretakers to be on the lookout for this kind of activity in the senior community. Scammers often target seniors with scams being a major factor in financial elder abuse.

"In rare instances are funds able to be recovered," said Supervising TCDA Victim Advocate Nicole Burnham. "Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to scams.

"The Office of the District Attorney offers free, bilingual presentations on scams and other abuses targeting Tulare County seniors," she added. "To schedule a presentation, call us at (559) 636-5471."

If you or someone you know is a victim of this or any financial scam, contact your local law enforcement agency.