Folsom police investigate scam after resident loses $15k to fake Apple support agent
The Folsom Police Department is investigating a grand theft case that left someone out of $15,000.
A suspect posing as an Apple customer service agent told the victim they owed money for fraudulent transactions, according to the police department. The two exchanged funds near the 1400 block of Humbug Creek Drive.
The Folsom Police Department has yet to release additional details. However, Commander Andrew Bates, a spokesperson for the agency, said residents can take steps to avoid scams, including not sharing personal information, letting unknown calls go to voicemail, avoiding suspicious links and asking someone they trust for a second opinion.
“If it’s important, the caller will leave a message,” Bates said. “Don’t feel pressured to answer unfamiliar numbers. If the message seems legitimate, find the company’s official phone number on a bill or its website, and call that number directly to confirm.”
Other warning signs, Bates said, include demands for payment by gift card, claims of urgent legal trouble, pressure to act immediately, requests to keep the call confidential and threats of arrest.
“If something feels off, hang up and talk it through with a friend or family member before taking any action,” Bates said.
Scam cases aren’t isolated to Folsom. The Woodland Police Department alerted residents of a scam artist pretending to be a law enforcement officer, enticing the victim with official-looking documents. The victim in that case called the Police Department to confirm.
