Two Arrested in Carlsbad Elder Fraud Cases Totaling Over $140,000 in Losses
CARLSBAD, CA — “With help from the @fbi.sandiego Elder Justice Task Force and the @sddistatty ’s Office, we arrested two suspects in separate elder fraud cases totaling over $140,000 in stolen cash and gold bullion.
In the first case, a Carlsbad resident was scammed after a fake computer pop-up led her to call individuals impersonating Apple Security and Wells Fargo. Believing her identity had been compromised, she was convinced to withdraw and hand over money in taped shoeboxes to someone posing as a federal courier. The fraud resulted in a loss of approximately $121,000. The victim later informed her grandson, who helped her report the crime to police.
Detectives arrested Tang Chen, 37, of Ontario, California, during a planned pickup at the victim’s home. He was booked on felony charges of theft from an elder, obtaining money by false pretenses and conspiracy.
In a separate case, another Carlsbad resident received a call from someone posing as a Federal Trade Commission investigator. The caller convinced the victim to hand over $10,000 in cash.
When the scammer asked for more, the victim, under police guidance, pretended to comply. Detectives filled an envelope with fake $100 bills, which was picked up by Gurjant Singh, 33, of Riverside County. Officers followed and detained him on the I-5 freeway. The envelope was recovered from his vehicle, and Singh was booked on the same felony charges.
Reminder: No legitimate agency will ever request cash, gold, or valuables via courier. Always verify suspicious claims with a trusted relative or law enforcement.”
