A scam alert has been issued to the public advising of a bank-related scam in which victims are told there is an internal investigation at their financial institution and that their funds are at risk.

These claims are false.

If you are contacted by someone claiming to represent a bank, financial institution, or law enforcement agency and told you need to move your money to “keep it safe,” this is a scam, the county District Attorney’s Office warns.

Likewise, if a courier is sent to collect cash from you for “protection,” this is also a scam.

Do not comply with these requests, the DA’s Office said. Contact your local law enforcement agency immediately, and report the incident to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.org.

If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, contact the District Attorney’s scam hotline at 805-568-2442 or email reportfraud@countyofsb.org for resources and information.

Please contact law enforcement first, as the District Attorney’s phone line and email are for assistance and guidance only.

Please contact law enforcement first, as our phone line and email are for assistance and guidance only.