Fake bankers scam elderly North Bay woman out of $20K

(KRON) -- An elderly woman in the North Bay was swindled out of $20,000 after scammers pretending to be banking representatives told her they were guarding her finances, according to the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office. One man was arrested in connection to the fraud.

Deputies were alerted to the fraud scheme on Dec. 2. The scam suspects impersonated employees from Redwood Credit Union and the Federal Reserve System and contacted the 78-year-old victim “under the guise of protecting her finances,” sheriff investigators said. After convincing, the woman withdrew $20,000 from her bank account and handed it over to a fake “federal marshal.”

The next day, the scammers attempted to gain another $20,000 from the woman, but by then, the sheriff’s office was coordinating a sting operation. Detectives waiting at the victim’s residence detained 20-year-old Yung-Wen Kuan after he arrived to collect the cash, authorities said.

Investigators believe that Kuan worked as a courier in a sophisticated organized fraud operation.

Kuan was arrested for grand theft, elder financial abuse and conspiracy. Detectives are analyzing evidence from his Mercedes-Benz SUV, which was towed from the scene, in order to identify additional suspects.

The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office is urging community members to be vigilant and report suspicious activity involving unsolicited financial or personal information requests. Victims of similar scams should contact the sheriff’s office at (707)-565-2650.