Full Notification

CITY OF PETALUMA, CA
POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE/BROADCAST

DATE: FEBRUARY 11, 2014

REPORT NUMBER: 14-640

OCCURRED DATE AND TIME: 2-11-14 12:00PM

INCIDENT: FRAUDULENT SCAMS CONTINUE TO VICTIMIZE SENIOR CITIZENS IN PETALUMA


SUMMARY: The Petaluma Police Department continues to take reports from senior citizens who have been victimized by scams. The department has previously published press releases, conducted presentations and community outreach to try and educate senior citizens and prevent financial losses. The most recent scam was reported to Petaluma Police on February 11, 2014 by an elderly victim. The victim was contacted by the suspect by phone who claimed to be her grandson. The suspect told the victim he was involved in a traffic accident with a Mexican diplomat. The victim was to wire money to Mexico to pay for damages so the “grandson” could be released. The victim sent two separate money wire transfers totaling almost three thousand dollars. The victim later found out her grandson was not in custody and had never made those phone calls. This was the same exact scam that was used on a Petaluma elderly victim in January 2014.

Some of these past scam victims have also received calls about winning contests or lotteries. These suspects encourage the victims to send money to pre pay taxes.

Citizens are encouraged to call Petaluma Police if they receive any type of suspicious calls. Family members of senior citizens should also make sure to educate their elderly parents or relatives and take steps to protect their finances.

PREPARED BY: SGT ANDREW URTON

Sergeant Andrew Urton
Petaluma Police Department
969 Petaluma Blvd N
Petaluma, CA 94952
(707) 778-4372