Crime & Safety
SMC Searches For Scammer In Phishing Scheme
Deputies said an El Grenada woman handed over money to a scammer after receiving an email appearing to be from a money exchange company.
SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — Peninsula authorities are warning of a phishing scam that recently targeted an elderly woman in El Grenada and searching for the person responsible.
According to the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office, deputies fielded a report from the victim Wednesday at a home on Sonora Avenue. The woman told investigators she received a fraudulent email from someone impersonating a popular online money exchange service. Deputies said the scammer told the woman to remove money from her bank account and meet with a courier in person.
The woman met with the courier and handed over the cash. The victim described the courier as an Asian man, approximately 6 feet tall and weighing 200 pounds, and wearing a blue sweatshirt and dark pants, authorities said.
Find out what's happening in Half Moon Bayfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The sheriff's office said the crime was a reminder to avoid sharing sensitive information with people online or over the phone. Anyone with information that could help identify the scammer can contact police at 650-363-4911.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.