They say you’re never too old to learn — unfortunately, scammers are learning faster.
In this publication, we're exposing a cunning scam operation that has already cost San Diego County seniors over $100 million a year — and that’s just what’s been reported. The true number may be even higher, buried under layers of shame, fear, and silence.
Scammers are targeting elderly San Diegans with fake tech support schemes that lead to devastating financial losses. Victims are tricked into giving remote access to their computers, and in some cases, even handing over cash or gold to “couriers” sent straight to their doors.
How It Works:
- Fake Virus Alert: Seniors receive a pop-up on their screen claiming their computer is infected or hacked.
- “Help” Arrives: They’re told to contact “Microsoft” or another fake support agent.
- Remote Access: The victim grants remote access to their computer, exposing personal and financial information.
- The Setup: Scammers convince them their money is at risk and must be “safeguarded.”
- The Grab: The victim is told to withdraw large sums or buy gold, which a courier will “safely store” — aka, steal.
Who’s Targeted:
- Senior citizens, especially those living alone or unfamiliar with technology.
- Residents of San Diego County, where scams targeting seniors have become increasingly common.
- Victims often don’t report it out of embarrassment, which only emboldens scammers.
Real-Life Example:
The San Diego District Attorney’s Office has prosecuted numerous cases where couriers showed up at victims’ homes to collect thousands in cash or gold. These couriers were working for international criminal rings exploiting the trust and fear of senior citizens.
Local banks have flagged incidents where seniors attempted to withdraw unusually large amounts of money — one of the few lines of defense that’s helped expose these crimes before it’s too late.
Why You Should Care:
This scam doesn’t just steal money — it steals dignity, independence, and peace of mind. Imagine working your whole life, saving carefully, only to have a scammer wipe it out in days. And worse, many victims never tell anyone.
San Diego’s District Attorney says the $100 million annual loss is likely a gross underestimation, because so few people come forward.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Never allow remote access to your computer unless you're 100% sure of the source.
- Do not click on random pop-ups, emails, or links claiming you have a virus.
- Never send money, gold, or gift cards to someone claiming they’re “protecting” your money.
- Refuse home pickups: No legitimate service will send a courier to your house to collect cash or valuables.
- Talk to someone you trust immediately if something feels suspicious.
Quick Tips & Updates:
Quick Tip #1: Did you know? Legitimate tech companies like Microsoft will never initiate contact or request remote access out of the blue.
Pro Tip: If someone tells you not to tell anyone — tell someone immediately. Secrecy is a major red flag in financial scams.
Update: The San Diego Elder Justice Task Force is actively prosecuting cases and coordinating with federal agencies to shut down these crime rings.
Stay safe, stay informed.
Keywords Defined:
- Remote Access Scam: A scam where someone tricks you into giving control of your computer, leading to data or financial theft.
- Courier Scam: When a scammer sends someone to physically collect money or valuables under false pretenses.
- Tech Support Fraud: A common scheme involving fake alerts or calls claiming to be from tech companies.
- Elder Fraud: Scams specifically targeting older adults, often involving trust-based manipulation.
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