Scammers Are Posing As Bank Agents, Targeting South Bay Businesses

EL SEGUNDO, CA — El Segundo Police is warning the public of a fraud scheme targeting local business owners.

Scammers have been posing as bank representatives to get personal information and steal hundreds of thousands of dollars, the El Segundo Police Department announced on social media Tuesday.

"An unknown suspect contacts a local business employee while posing as a fraud protection agent from their bank," police said in a statement. "The suspect will use a convincing pretext, claiming to be investigating suspicious transactions, and pressure the employee into providing sensitive banking information."

In some cases, the scammer will spoof an email address, making it seem as if they actually work for a bank. However, police said business owners can take the following precautions to avoid being on the receiving end of the scam:

• Be wary of any unexpected calls from someone claiming to be a bank agent, especially ones involving wire transfers. Instead, call the bank using a verified number
• Do not share requests for one-time passcodes, account numbers, token codes, login credentials, or passwords.
• Do not click on any links or download files claiming to help fix bank issues.
• Train employees on identifying and reporting suspicious activity that may seem like fraud attempts.

The ESPD asks that any business owner who believes they've been targeted or have been the victim of fraud contact police at 310-524-2760 to file a report.

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