A Ukrainian national was arrested for attempting to scam an elderly woman out of $30,000 in San Bernardino County.
On May 6, the victim, identified only as an elderly woman from Loma Linda, received a phone call from the suspect who had pretended to be an inspector general at the sheriff’s department.
The woman was told she needed to withdraw $30,000 to avoid being arrested for an active arrest warrant. She would then be contacted the next day with further instructions.
Out of fear of being arrested, the woman withdrew $30,000 from her bank account. When she realized the phone call was a scam, she immediately reported it to law enforcement.
Detectives from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department began investigating the case and later identified the suspect as Tyhran Shvets, a 20-year-old man who was a Ukrainian national.
During the investigation, detectives also learned Shvets had reportedly scammed several other elderly female victims and had successfully collected money from them.
Shvets was arrested for attempted theft by false pretenses, conspiracy, and elder abuse.
Anyone who may have been a victim or has information on the case is urged to call Detective M. Magdaleno at 909-387-3545.
Anonymous tips can be provided to We-Tip at 1-800-782-7463 or online at wetip.com.
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