Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine Pacioni is warning county residents and businesses about three fraud schemes spreading across the region.
The alert, issued Monday, Oct. 12, targets fake government invoices, financial account scams aimed at older adults and home title fraud using forged deeds, according to the King City Rustler.
The warning follows a sentencing the DA's office announced Tuesday, Oct. 6, in a separate real estate fraud case. Judge Jennifer O'Keefe sentenced Salinas resident Esmeralda Hernandez Pulido, 36, to three years and four months in jail after she pleaded guilty to four felony theft counts tied to mortgage scams and a fraudulent informal savings club known as a "tanda," according to a Monterey County news release. Prosecutors said she defrauded at least five victims, with estimated losses exceeding $1 million.
"If something feels suspicious, report it right away," Pacioni said.
Fake county invoices
Fraudulent invoices that mimic official Monterey County letterhead are targeting people with projects pending before the county's Planning Commission or Zoning Administrator. The bills demand permit-fee payments and direct victims to wire money to accounts controlled by criminals, the DA's office said.
Recent versions closely copy county logos and language, making them harder to spot than earlier attempts. The scam is not unique to Monterey County. The DA's office said similar schemes impersonating local governments have been reported nationwide.
Residents should never pay an unexpected invoice, the office said. Anyone who receives one should verify the bill directly with the county agency using a phone number from the county's official website, not a number printed on the suspicious document.
Scams targeting older adults
The DA's office is also tracking a rise in scams in which criminals pose as bank fraud investigators, government agents or tech support workers and claim a victim's accounts have been compromised. Victims are pressured to withdraw cash, buy gold, deposit money into cryptocurrency ATMs or transfer funds into digital wallets.
No legitimate bank, government agency or law enforcement officer will ever ask someone to withdraw cash, purchase cryptocurrency or move money to "protect" it, the office said.
Home title and deed fraud
Criminals are using forged deeds, fraudulent title transfers or deceptive tactics to convince homeowners to sign over their property, prosecutors warned. Seniors and families who have recently lost a loved one are frequent targets.
The DA's office advises residents to consult a trusted family member or attorney before signing any documents that affect property ownership. Homeowners can also check with the Monterey County Recorder's Office to review documents recorded against their property. The Recorder's Office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and can be reached from the Monterey Peninsula at (831) 647-7741.
How to report
Anyone who suspects fraud or has already sent money to a scammer should call the DA's Fraud Hotline at 831-755-3224. Consumer fraud complaints can also be emailed to [email protected].
