San Gabriel man arrested for scamming elderly Auburn woman

A San Gabriel man was arrested June 10 in relation to a scam involving an elderly Auburn victim. The victim had been contacted online days earlier and was advised she owed thousands due to a computer error related to an online payment app. According to the Placer County Sheriff's Office, the victim was told she had to withdraw cash and provide it to a courier who would arrive at her house to satisfy the debt. The Sheriff's Office confirmed the victim realized it was a scam after providing a small amount of money and contacted the department. Detectives supervised phone communications with the suspect, who demanded tens of thousands in additional money. On June 10, the suspect, identified as Yunming Fan, 36, approached the residence in an attempt to pick up the money. The Sheriff's Office reported Fan was contacted behind the wheel of a Honda Accord and taken into custody after leaving the residence. Fan was charged with conspiracy and theft by false pretenses. Fan was released from custody the same day. The Sheriff's Office reported the investigation revealed Fan and related suspects may have recently been in the area to conduct other cash-pickup scams. The department shared images of Fan and his vehicle in the event other victims recognize him. Individuals who have been victimized by Fan are encouraged to call 530-886-5375. "Our office takes a firm stance towards protecting our senior citizens, and will continue working towards the prevention and investigation of scams and fraud," the Sheriff's Office said Friday afternoon.