Saratoga residents fall victim to separate police impersonation and hacking scams

Suspects impersonate police, hack computer.

JULY 10

Theft by false pretenses, impersonating a peace officer, extortion: A Saratoga resident reported that someone phoned them posing as a sergeant with the Sheriff’s Office, and claimed the victim had an outstanding warrant for missing jury duty that had to be paid immediately or they would be taken to jail. The victim ultimately provided money via a mobile payment service for a total loss of about $3,000.

Grand theft: At 9:44 a.m., the victim received delivery notification for a package expected at their residence in the 14000 block of Sobey Road but then could not find the package. The loss was about $1,500.

DUI, non-injury collision: At 9:56 p.m., deputies responded to a traffic collision on Reid Lane at Saratoga Hills Road, where a motorist hit a tree. The driver was located at his residence after walking home from the scene, and an investigation revealed he was driving under the influence of alcohol.

JULY 11

Theft by false pretenses: A Saratoga resident reported that someone hacked and locked their computer, provided a phone number, instructed the victim to call for technical support, and ultimately convinced the victim to provide money via cryptocurrency for a total loss of about $15,000.

JULY 15

Residential burglary: Between 9:40 a.m. on July 13 and 8:15 a.m. on July 15, someone entered a residence in the 14000 block of Maclay Court by breaking a rear sliding glass door and stole handbags and jewelry for a total loss valued at approximately $246,000.