EL GRANADA – Authorities are investigating a phishing scheme that ensnared an elderly woman Wednesday in San Mateo County.
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The victim, an El Granada resident, told county sheriff’s deputies she received a bogus email link imitating a money exchange company. She consulted with the sender and was told to withdraw cash from her bank account and meet with a courier, the sheriff’s office said in a news release.
Around noon Wednesday, the woman gave the money to the courier, who then left the area, the sheriff’s office said. Authorities did not say how much money the woman gave away.
The courier was described as an Asian man, about 6 feet tall and 200 pounds, the sheriff’s office said. He was last seen wearing a blue sweatshirt and dark-colored pants.
In the wake of the incident, the sheriff’s office urged residents to use caution and avoid sharing personal banking details with anyone who asks for such information online or over the phone.
Anyone with information related to the case can contact the sheriff’s office at 650-363-4911 or the tip line at 800-547-2700.
