Two 21-year-old Northern California men have been arrested after authorities say they attempted to defraud a 79-year-old Santa Barbara County resident out of $50,000 in a government imposter scam.
According to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded around 11:30 a.m. on February 24 to reports of a suspected fraud scheme already underway.
$25,000 Already Handed Over
The victim told deputies she had withdrawn $25,000 in cash the previous evening and gave it to a courier posing as a Deputy U.S. Marshal. The caller allegedly claimed her Social Security number and other personal information had been compromised and warned that immediate payment was necessary to avoid further harm.
The following day, the suspects reportedly contacted her again, demanding an additional $25,000 and implying negative consequences if she failed to comply.
Deputies arrived before the second exchange could occur and contacted two men who had come to collect the money.
Suspects Identified and Charged
Authorities identified the suspects as 21-year-old Khushal Singh of Tracy and 21-year-old Guprakash Singh of Sacramento. Both were arrested and booked on felony charges including false personation, attempted grand theft, attempted financial elder abuse, and conspiracy to commit a crime. Bail was set at $50,000 for each.
On Thursday, both defendants pleaded not guilty in Santa Barbara County Superior Court.
Prosecutors allege the pair conspired to obtain $25,000 by posing as federal authorities and directing the elderly victim to withdraw cash for pickup by an alleged “undercover agent.” The complaint further claims the crime targeted a “particularly vulnerable” victim.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the suspects are related or if they may be connected to a larger fraud network.
Warning About Government Imposter Scams
Law enforcement officials warn that so-called “government imposter” scams frequently target older adults. In these schemes, callers falsely claim to represent federal agencies, law enforcement, or courts, often demanding payment in cash, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that legitimate government agencies will never request payment in cash or digital currency, nor will they send couriers to collect money in person.
Residents are urged to ignore unsolicited calls requesting personal or financial information and to contact local authorities immediately if they suspect fraud.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not indicated whether additional arrests are expected.
