MORGAN HILL, CA – Police are warning of another batch of scams targeting the elderly in Morgan Hill.
The money-making scams happen all the time, but often go unreported to authorities and family members due to embarrassment or confusion.
On January 22, a Morgan Hill man received a phone call from a male suspect to advise that he had won a new car and $2.5 Million.
The suspect told the victim that in order to claim the prize, he would need to send $10,000 to a specified bank account number. The victim told the suspect that did not want to accept the prize and did not send any money.
In November 2012, a San Martin woman received a letter in the mail which informed her that she was the recipient of a 26.7 million dollar inheritance from a deceased relative in Spain. In order to receive the inheritance money, the victim was instructed to send over $50,000 in personal checks to a male subject living in Banning, CA.
After sending over $50,000, the victim was instructed to send another $140,000 to a different male subject living in North Carolina. The bank contacted the police department with concerns the victim was being scammed and was able to stop payment before the $140,000 check was cashed.
Police feel the elderly community is targeted due to the trusting nature of the victims. Aside from being taken advantage of and feeling embarrassed, the victims are also upset because many are on a fixed income and the money they lose is almost impossible to recover. Morgan Hill Police Department hopes to prevent these crimes through education and increased awareness.
The Morgan Hill Police Department is releasing this information with the hopes of warning would-be victims of these types of scams. If you are approached by a stranger offering to give you large sums of money in exchange for a lesser amount, you should decline the offer and call your local police department immediately.
Deals that sound too good to be true usually are, they are mostly a scam in disguise. Do not give out your personal information to the caller.
Be a good witness; obtain descriptive information of the suspects and vehicles if possible.
If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, please contact Detective Scott Martin of the Morgan Hill Police Department at 408.779.2101 or the anonymous tip line at 408-947-STOP (7867).
