Monterey District Attorney Warns of New Fraud Schemes and Urges Residents to Use Fraud Reporting Tip Line

 

SALINAS, California - The Monterey County District Attorney’s Office is warning residents and

businesses about several fraud schemes currently circulating in Monterey County, including those

involving fake government invoices, claims of compromised accounts, and real estate title fraud.

“Fraud affects everyone, whether through higher insurance rates, lost wages, or threats to a

family’s home and life savings,” said District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni. “Our specialized fraud

units are working every day to protect Monterey County residents, but tips from the public are

often the first step in stopping these crimes. If something feels suspicious, report it right away.”

The Office urges anyone who receives a suspicious payment request, money-transfer instruction,

or property document to stop, verify independently, and report concerns to the Fraud Hotline at

(831) 755-3224 or ReportFraud@countyofmonterey.gov.

Scam Alert: Fake County Invoices

Scammers are sending fake invoices and emails that appear to come from the County of

Monterey. The scam targets individuals and businesses with projects pending before the

County’s Planning Commission and Zoning Administrator. The fake documents demand payment

of permit fees and direct victims to wire money to bank accounts controlled by criminals.

Recent versions of the scam look far more convincing than earlier attempts and closely mimic

official County letterhead, logos, and language. Similar scams impersonating city and county

governments are being reported across the country.

What to do: Never pay an invoice you were not expecting. If you receive a bill or notice that

appears to be from the County, call the County agency you are working with before sending

payment. Use a phone number from the County’s official website, not one printed on a suspicious

document.

Scam Alert: Claims of Compromised Accounts Seeking Transfer of Money

The District Attorney’s Office is also seeing more scams aimed at elderly residents. In these

schemes, criminals pose as bank fraud investigators, government agents, or tech support

workers. They tell victims that their accounts have been compromised, then pressure them to

protect or “encrypt” their money by withdrawing cash, buying gold, depositing funds into

cryptocurrency ATMs, or moving savings into digital wallets controlled by the scammers.

Important reminder: No real bank, government agency, or law enforcement officer will ever ask

someone to withdraw cash, buy cryptocurrency, or move money to keep it safe. Anyone who

makes that request is a criminal. Hang up and call your bank directly using a trusted phone

number obtained from independent sources.