Two Arrested in $50,000 Scam Targeting Elderly Santa Barbara Resident

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Two 21-year-old suspects were arrested after allegedly scamming an elderly Santa Barbara resident out of $25,000 and attempting to steal an additional $25,000 by posing as federal authorities and claiming the victim's personal information had been compromised. Deputies intervened before the second transaction could take place.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing problem of 'government imposter' scams that frequently target older adults, often demanding payment in cash, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. It serves as a warning to the public that legitimate government agencies will never request such urgent financial transactions.

The details

According to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office, the case came to light on February 24 when deputies responded to a call about a suspected fraud scheme in progress. The victim reported that the previous evening she had withdrawn $25,000 in cash and handed it to a courier she believed to be a Deputy U.S. Marshal, after being told her personal information had been compromised. The next day, the suspects allegedly contacted her again, demanding an additional $25,000. Deputies arrived before the second transaction could take place and arrested 21-year-old Khushal Singh of Tracy and 21-year-old Guprakash Singh of Sacramento on felony charges.

• On February 24, deputies responded to a call about a suspected fraud scheme in progress.
• The previous evening, on February 23, the victim had withdrawn $25,000 in cash and handed it to a courier she believed to be a Deputy U.S. Marshal.
• On February 24, the suspects allegedly contacted the victim again, demanding an additional $25,000.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Khushal Singh and Guprakash Singh out on bail.