A Los Angeles man was arrested for allegedly scamming an elderly victim while posing as a private investigator.
The suspect was identified as Vincent Tarter, 66, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.
The elderly victim, who was only identified as a Palm Desert resident, reportedly met with Tarter
in June 2024. Tarter allegedly told the victim he was a former federal agent and was currently working as a private investigator.
He told the victim he could fix their legal troubles and asked to be paid “a significant amount” for his services. The victim claimed no services were provided and Tarter had just taken the money instead.
In December 2024, investigators discovered that Tarter was reportedly working with a second suspect, Tamela King, 55, of Glendale, in the fraud scheme.
On Feb. 26, Tarter was located in the 100 block of North Broadway in L.A. where he was taken into custody. He was arrested for financial elder abuse and is being held without bail.
Investigators believe there may be additional victims of a similar crime involving Tarter or King.
“Tarter is known to use several aliases, including Tony, Anthony Costa, Tony Costa, and Vincent Ziti,” authorities said.
Additional charges will be sought and filed with the District Attorney’s Office regarding King’s involvement.
Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Investigator Grasso at 760–836–1600.
