04/23/2026
PRESS RELEASE UPDATE (04/24/2026):
Scam Recovery/ Alert *UPDATE*
PASO ROBLES – This press release is intended to provide additional information regarding a scam which occurred on April 22, 2026. A scam was reported involving a phone call to a local resident. The victim was contacted by a man who falsely claimed to be a Deputy District Attorney. He told her that a relative had been involved in a traffic accident, had been arrested, and needed $10,600 to be released from custody.
The caller gave detailed instructions on how to get the money. He told the victim to go to her bank and withdraw the funds, but specifically instructed her not to mention the supposed accident. Instead, he told her to say the money was for a contractor working on her home. After she withdrew the cash, the scammer continued to guide her step-by-step, including how to package the money. He remained on the phone during the entire process and directed her to send the cash using a rideshare service, which the scammer arranged, ensuring the transfer was completed.
This case highlights several common warning signs of scams. First, scammers often create a sense of urgency, especially involving a loved one in trouble, to pressure victims into acting quickly. Second, they may impersonate officials, such as law enforcement or attorneys, to appear credible. Third, instructions to lie to bank employees or keep the situation secret are major red flags. Finally, requests to send cash or gift cards, especially through unusual methods like rideshare services, are always fraudulent. If you receive a call like this, pause and verify the information by contacting your relative directly or calling a trusted official number of the business the scammer claims to be from. When in doubt, speak with bank staff or local law enforcement before taking any action.
************************************
Original Post (04/23/2026)
PRESS RELEASE: Scam Recovery/ Alert
PASO ROBLES – On Wednesday, April 22, 2026 the Paso Robles Police Department responded to a report of suspicious circumstances at a residence within the city of Paso Robles. A citizen reported suspicious activity on an Uber App and notified law enforcement, requesting a check the welfare at the residence.
Officers responded to the home and learned that the resident had been scammed for a loss of more than $10,000. After learning of the circumstances surrounding the scam, officers worked quickly to identify the third-party Uber Driver and were able to contact the driver via telephone. The funds were returned to the Paso Robles Police Department and ultimately returned to the victim of the scam. It was ultimately determined that the Uber Driver had no knowledge of and was not involved in the scam. Officers are still working to identify any potential suspects.
The Paso Roble Police Department would like to remind the public that there are various types of scams, and that debt collectors or government organizations will never send a courier to your home to collect funds to settle a debt. Additionally, non-traditional payment methods such as gift cards or cash of any kind should never be utilized through a third party as payment.
This investigation is on-going and anybody with information regarding this case or similar should contact the Paso Robles Police Department or their jurisdictional law enforcement agency.
