Eureka man sent $13,000 cash after phone scam

A Eureka man became a victim of a social security phone scam and sent $13,000 cash in the mail, but after a deputy’s quick action he was able to get his money back.

He was contacted by someone claiming to be with the social security administration instructing him to send the cash wrapped in clothing overnight via FedEx to an address in New Jersey.

The package was sent Wednesday, but around 2:45 am Thursday he woke up and became suspicious. He quickly called the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office. The deputy then called the FedEx office in New Jersey. And was able to stop them from sending it out just in the Knick of time.

Samantha Karges of the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office says government agencies will never ask you to send them cash. She adds that scammers can also change phone numbers to make it look like they are calling from a government agency. If you have any suspicions call the sheriff’s office.