Salinas Police Warn of Local Scooter Scam

The Salinas Police Department is warning the community about an investor scam that has impacted dozens of locals. Police say that a fake company called "Lightning Shared Scooter Company" promised people monthly payments in exchange for their investments in electric scooters.

Some people invested as much as $50,000 and lost it all. Salinas police say that 45 victims of the scam have come forward, having lost a combined $250,000.

We spoke with one victim of the scam, Maria Moreno, who said that the scammers are continuing the operation under a new name, saying "That is why we are here to demand justice and file a complaint about this massive fraud which has deceived so many people. The saddest part is that they have already taken our money, but they continue to carry out the scam. Now under different names. But with the same leaders."

Salinas Police are asking anyone who thinks they may have been scammed to come forward while also reminding the community to be skeptical of "too good to be true" investments, research companies before investing, never send money to anyone you haven't met in person, and report any suspicous activity immediately.