San Ramon police said this week they have recently investigated multiple incidents of a phone scam targeting elderly people.
The scam involves the suspect contacting the victim over the phone and posing as a representative of Publishers Clearing House. According to police, the caller tells the victim they have won a grand prize but need to pre-pay the associated taxes in the form of a cashier’s check.
“Not even Publisher’s Clearing House will ask you for money over the phone,” San Ramon police on Tuesday said on social media. “No legitimate business solicits large amounts of money over the phone.”
Community members are urged to never provide money, account information or remote access to personal computers to anyone who contacts them over the phone.
Those who have relevant concerns can call San Ramon police at (925) 973-2700.