LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport Police Department has issued an alert to community members to be aware that scammers are continuing to target seniors.

The department said that on Wednesday it learned that an 86-year-old city resident was targeted by a scammer who was successful in obtaining bank account information and then took $15,000 from the victim’s account.

Police said this was the typical telephone scam that seeks to target elderly persons and advised of a big win of a prize but that they needed the bank info to deposit the funds.

While many people are well aware of telephone and internet scams, these scams continue because the scammers are persistent and successful in targeting victims.

In this case, as in most others, the money is likely not recoverable.

Additionally, many scams operate from outside the country and United States law enforcement is limited on their ability to investigate or apprehend offenders.

“These scammers work hard to identify and target elderly and other vulnerable victims in our communities,” police said. “We urge families to take precautions in making sure their loved ones do not fall victim to these scams.”