Scammers targeting seniors in Carlsbad have found themselves on the wrong side of the law, with two perpetrators now in cuffs, thanks to a concerted effort by local law enforcement and federal agencies. The Carlsbad Police Department, joining forces with the FBI's Elder Justice Task Force and the San Diego County District Attorney's Office, have arrested Tang Chen and Gurjant Singh in distinct but schematically similar cases of elder fraud, exceeding $140,000 in losses. The unfortunate victims were cruelly deceived by elaborate cons that preyed upon their fears of identity theft, according to information from a Carlsbad city news release.
The first scam unfolded when a resident was tricked into believing her identity had been compromised. The scammers, contacting her via a fake pop-up and posing as representatives from Apple Security and Wells Fargo’s Fraud Unit, coerced her to hand over a hefty sum of cash and gold to what they claimed was a federal courier, causing her to lose approximately $121,156. The victim's suspicion was finally aroused, leading her to confide in her grandson, who then helped to report the incident to authorities. It was on March 24 that this ruse cruelly snared its victim, with Tang Chen, 37, of Ontario, California, later arrested during a planned pickup at the victim’s house. In a statement obtained by the city news release, Chen is reported as booked on multiple felony charges, including theft from an elder.
In a separate and equally heart-wrenching case, another senior was duped by a con artist claiming to be an FTC investigator, convincing her to fork out $10,000 to aid in a phony investigation. When the scammer, unsatisfied with his first take, boldly requested an additional $10,000, the police were ready, having the victim deliver an envelope stuffed with fake bills. This sting operation brought Gurjant Singh, 33, of Riverside County, into the same plight as Chen, being detained by officers and booked on identical felony charges.
The Carlsbad Police Department has earnestly reminded the public that no legitimate agency would ever physically request to take possession of cash or gold. Residents are urged to double-check suspicious claims with family members or law enforcement before taking any financial action. "No legitimate agency will ever request cash, gold, or personal assets to be handed over to a courier," warns the City of Carlsbad. As these investigations continue, the significant financial toll these scams take on the senior community becomes painfully apparent, with reported losses exceeding $100 million annually in the San Diego region alone. Suppose you or a loved one suddenly finds themselves embroiled in potential fraud or elder abuse. In that case, contacting the proper authorities, including local law enforcement and Adult Protective Services at 1-800-339-4661, is critical.
