Accused Phone Scammer Arrested In Novato

NOVATO, CA — A man arrested in Novato this month on suspicion of scamming a senior is linked to other scams targeting victims across Northern California, according to police.

Police allege the scammer convinced the Novato victim to withdraw large amounts of money under the guise of correcting a fake data breach during the first week of the month. Investigators said the victim reached out to friends and family, who contacted the police department.

Officers learned the scammer was planning to visit the home to collect more cash from the victim and staked out the home until the suspect showed up. Officials said a vehicle arrived at the home on Feb. 9, and detectives moved to arrest the driver.

Police identified the accused scammer as Volodymyr Pipskyy, 40, of Roseville. Detectives allege electronics and other evidence they confiscated showed he had conducted similar scams around the region.

Pipskyy was booked into the Marin County Jail on suspicion of conspiracy and theft by false pretenses. He is being held without bail.