Fake Bank Fraud Call: How a Scammer Sent Rideshare Drivers to Collect Victims’ Cash

In a fake bank fraud call, someone claims to be from your bank’s fraud team, says your account is under attack, and tells you to withdraw cash so it can be kept safe. Then a “bank employee” comes to collect it. In a San Diego federal case, the collectors were rideshare drivers sent by the scammer. Albert Guerra pleaded guilty on March 26, 2026, and was later sentenced to three years in prison, according to City News Service.

What happened

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California, Albert Guerra, 26, of Miramar, Florida, pleaded guilty to bank fraud and money laundering. He admitted traveling across the country and impersonating bank employees to defraud victims, many of them elderly.

Guerra and his associates got bank customer information, called victims and falsely said they were investigating fraud at the victims’ banks. They convinced victims to withdraw cash and give it to “bank employees.” Those were rideshare drivers Guerra sent to pick up the money and bring it back to him. He often told drivers they were collecting documents from “my grandma” and “my grandpa.”

After flying to San Diego on October 26, 2025, Guerra defrauded at least three people there, collecting $13,000, $37,000 and $86,300. Days later, he made a $24,000 cash payment for a Tesla in Las Vegas. In January 2026, he defrauded at least one victim in Portland, Oregon, of $40,000.

City News Service reported that Guerra was sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to pay $251,300 in restitution and a $50,000 fine. According to the criminal complaint, one victim was told to withdraw money so his funds could be “safeguarded.” The three San Diego County victims named in the complaint were 22 to 28 years old, though prosecutors said many victims in the scheme were elderly.

How the call went

Based on the court records described in the release and news report:

• A caller says they are from your bank’s fraud department.
• They already have some of your bank information.
• They say there was a recent fraud attempt on your account.
• They tell you to withdraw cash so it can be “safeguarded.”
• A “bank employee” arrives to collect it. It is a driver sent by the scammer.

Red flags

• A fraud call you didn’t start. The caller knowing your bank or account details does not make it real.
• “Withdraw cash to protect it.” The FCC says banks will never call and ask you to move money to protect it.
• A pickup at your home. No bank sends someone to collect cash.
• Pressure to act now. The FCC says bank impostors press people to take immediate action to secure their account.

What would have stopped it

• Hanging up and calling the bank on the number on the back of the card or on a statement.
• Telling the teller the real reason for a large withdrawal. Bank staff can help.
• One firm rule: cash never leaves the house with a stranger, whoever they say they are.
• Calling a family member before handing anything over.

If this happens to your family

• If a courier is coming to the door, call 911.
• Call the bank on the number on the back of the card. Ask about recent withdrawals and changes to the account.
• Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and at ic3.gov.
• Call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311), Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm ET.
• Call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360 for support.

This scam starts with a single convincing call. FamilyDefender checks unknown calls to an older parent while they happen and can warn the parent and alert family when a call looks risky.