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Bay Area woman loses over $1 million in crypto scam
A working professional Bay Area woman was scammed over $1 million in a crypto scam.
PLEASANT HILL, Calif. - An elderly Pleasant Hill woman has recouped her entire life savings nearly four years after falling victim to a cryptocurrency scam, authorities said.
In March 2022, the 70-year-old woman was approached by a person online who convinced her to invest $350,000 into a fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme, according to police.
Deputy shot at in Oakley; suspect still at large
Authorities descended on an Oakley neighborhood Monday as they searched for a suspect who shot at a sheriff’s deputy.
Following the theft, the victim reported the incident to the Pleasant Hill Police Department, where Detective Stephen Vuong began tracking the cryptocurrency.
Digital stakeout
Vuong monitored the suspect's digital wallet, which remained inactive for more than three years after the initial theft. The account finally showed activity in September 2025.
Once the wallet became active, Vuong moved to freeze and seize the funds. The recovered money was officially transferred back to the victim and her family in late December.
Warning
Police Chief Scott praised Vuong for his efforts in recovering the victim's life savings.
"We are happy to be able to return these funds to the victim, and I congratulate Detective Vuong on the outstanding work he put into this case," Vermillion said.
The police department reminded residents to be cautious when approached online for services.
The Source: Information for this story comes from the Pleasant Hill Police Department.