Grand Theft Suspect Arrested In Castro Valley

CASTRO VALLEY, CA — A grand theft suspect was arrested in Castro Valley on Wednesday by the San Leandro Police Department. The suspect is accused of defrauding the victim out of $44,000 via an online scam.

It started innocently enough — a pop-up window told the victim that he needed to pay for his anti-virus software.

"Through a series of fraudulent transactions prompted by the suspects via remote access to the victim’s computer and over the phone, the victim was defrauded of $44,000," the police department said. "The victim eventually realized he had been scammed and reported the crime to SLPD."

Investigators tracked leads that led to one of the suspects believed to be involved in the scam.

On Wednesday, the suspect was taken into custody in Castro Valley and a search warrant was later executed at the suspect’s residence in San Lorenzo. The search warrant yielded evidence and an unregistered firearm.

Police remind us to be vigilant towards suspicious phone calls, text messages, e-mails, or other forms of electronic notification. "Scammers are becoming more sophisticated and polished in their methods of defrauding victims of their money."

Be suspicious if you are notified of a problem requiring immediate action or a monetary prize.

"Scammers often pretend to be from an organization or company that you are familiar with and will typically require an unusually specific form of monetary transaction from you."

The police department recommends that you independently verify the authenticity of any suspicious communication and avoid using any phone number or web link contained in the communication itself.

More tips on how to spot a scam and how to avoid becoming a victim on on the Federal Trade Commission’s website.