Elderly Couple Lose $28K To Scammers Posing As Fed Agents: Sonoma County Sheriff

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — A predawn stakeout ended with an arrest in Sonoma County after deputies intercepted a man they say arrived to collect cash from an elderly couple who had already lost nearly $28,000 to scammers posing as government officials.

The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office arrested a suspected courier connected to a fraud scheme that investigators say tricked an elderly couple out of about $28,000.

A sheriff's deputy responded Friday to a report of fraud involving an elderly Sonoma County couple.

The victims told investigators they received repeated phone calls from people claiming to be U.S. Customs officers. The callers falsely said a family member had been detained and demanded money for legal expenses to secure the relative's release.

Investigators said the suspects directed the victims to complete a series of wire transfers before withdrawing cash and delivering money to couriers at various locations throughout Sonoma County.

Deputies determined the case matched a growing fraud trend known as a "courier scam," in which criminals impersonate government officials, attorneys, or law enforcement personnel and pressure victims to make immediate payments.

After learning a courier was expected to arrive at the victims' residence, deputies developed a plan to monitor the home.

At about 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, one of the victims called the deputy assigned to the case and reported that an unknown man was knocking at the front door.

The deputy responded and contacted the man, identified as Marco Antonio Garcia-Hernandez, 40, of Los Banos.

According to investigators, Garcia-Hernandez said text messages and WhatsApp communications directed him to travel to Sonoma County and collect a package from the victims' residence.

Detectives suspect Garcia-Hernandez served as a courier in a larger organized fraud operation that targets elderly victims.

Deputies arrested Garcia-Hernandez on suspicion of theft from an elder adult involving more than $950, obtaining money by false pretenses, attempted grand theft of money, and an out-of-county warrant.

Authorities said Garcia-Hernandez is being held without bail.

The Sheriff's Office said the case underscores the growing threat of scams targeting elderly and vulnerable residents.

Officials said legitimate government agencies never demand immediate cash payments.

Residents should be wary of unsolicited calls demanding money and callers who create urgency or demand secrecy. Suspicious activity should be reported to authorities.