Internet Fraud Suspect Targeting Elders Identified and Arrested

On March 26, 2024, an 83-year-old resident of Marin County reported being the victim of an internet scam. Marin County Sheriff's Office Deputies responded and learned online scammers stole $30,000 from the resident via false pretense.

The scammers posed as "Fraud Department" employees with the resident's bank. They convinced the resident to withdraw $30,000 from her account. The scammers instructed the resident to provide the money to their representative, who would meet her at her home. An Asian male adult arrived at the resident's home in a white Toyota Prius and took her money.

On March 27, 2024, the online scammers attempted to defraud the resident of an additional $25,000. Detectives developed a plan to surveil the location where the scammers wanted the resident to deliver the money. Detectives observed the suspect arrive in his white Toyota Prius. The suspect was identified as Hao Canh Diep.

Diep was successfully taken into custody for violation of California Penal Code 487, Grand Theft, and violation of California Penal Code 368(d), Financial Elder Abuse. Diep was booked into the Marin County Jail where his bail amount was set at "No Bail."