The Alpine County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public to remain alert as reports of online scams continue to grow in the community.
Residents have been targeted through platforms such as Facebook Marketplace and by phone calls from people falsely claiming their accounts or computers have been compromised.
A frequent scam involves fake buyers or sellers on Facebook Marketplace who attempt to defraud users using fraudulent payment methods or suspicious links.
Other incidents involve phone calls from people posing as representatives of reputable companies, such as Microsoft, Apple, or banks, warning that the recipient’s account or device has been compromised.
These callers often request remote access to the victim’s computer, allowing them to steal personal information, banking details, or install harmful software.
The Alpine County Sheriff’s Office advises residents to take the following precautions:
- Do not allow anyone remote access to your computer unless their identity has been independently verified.
- Do not provide personal, banking, or login information over the phone or through online platforms.
- Be cautious of Facebook Marketplace deals that seem too good to be true or where buyers or sellers refuse to meet in person.
- Report any suspicious activity to the Alpine County Sheriff’s Office.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted by a scam is encouraged to contact the Alpine County Sheriff’s Office at (530) 694-2231.
The Sheriff's Office says prompt reporting helps prevent further victimization and assists law enforcement in tracking criminal activity.
