Recently, an Orange County Sheriff’s Department deputy visited the Security Watch Commanders’ office to request surveillance footage related to a fraud investigation. According to the deputy, a Village resident may have been targeted by a pop-up computer scam. The deputy noted that he has taken four to five similar reports in the past three weeks and believes there may be additional cases—reported and unreported—in the area.
In these scams, a pop-up message appears on the victim’s computer, often impersonating a “Chase Fraud” alert or similar. If the victim clicks the message, they are connected to a scammer who persuades them to withdraw cash or purchase gift cards. In some cases, scammers tell victims to lie to bank personnel, claiming the bank staff are part of the fraud.
In this resident’s case, video footage shows him meeting briefly with an unknown male and handing the man an off-white envelope.
This incident remains under investigation.
Here’s how to protect yourself:
- Never click on suspicious pop-ups. Close the browser immediately and restart your computer.
- Do not trust anyone asking for cash or gift cards over the phone or online.
- Always call your bank directly using a number you know is real.
- Report any suspicious contact to Security Services (949-580-1400) and OCSD (714-647-7000 o 949-770-6011) right away.
If it feels suspicious, it probably is. Stay alert, and help keep each other safe.
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