Tiburon Nanny Arrested Following $60,000 Credit Card Fraud Spree
A San Francisco woman is facing felony charges after allegedly using her former employer’s credit card to fund a lavish lifestyle, including international travel and luxury spa treatments. Naghmeh Novbakhtian, 35, was arrested at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) on March 31, 2026, ending a spending spree that totaled more than $60,000.
The Scope of the Unauthorized Spending
According to the Tiburon Police Department, the victim—a local resident—reported the fraud on March 26, 2026. The victim had employed Novbakhtian as a nanny from July 2025 through December 11, 2025. While Novbakhtian had authorized access to a family credit card during her employment, that access was strictly limited to childcare-related expenses.
The fraudulent activity began after Novbakhtian’s employment ended. The victim was alerted to the crime by her credit card company, which noted a “dramatic and unauthorized increase in spending.” Investigators discovered that Novbakhtian used the card for a variety of personal luxuries, including:
- Airline tickets purchased in her own name
- International travel and luxury hotel stays
- Cosmetic and spa services
- Retail purchases and ride-sharing services
- Direct electronic payments made to accounts associated with the suspect
The Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Detectives tracked Novbakhtian to an international destination and coordinated her arrest for the moment she returned to the United States. She was taken into custody at approximately 6:50 a.m. On March 31 at SFO.
The case has been forwarded to the Marin County District Attorney’s Office for review. Novbakhtian faces potential felony charges for fraud and grand theft. Police are investigating whether she is linked to other criminal activity, specifically a previously reported residential burglary.
Key Case Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Naghmeh Novbakhtian, 35 |
| Total Estimated Loss | Exceeds $60,000 |
| Employment Period | July 2025 – December 11, 2025 |
| Arrest Date/Location | March 31, 2026, at SFO |
| Potential Charges | Felony Grand Theft and Fraud |
Preventing Domestic Employee Fraud
This case highlights the risks associated with providing domestic employees with direct access to primary credit cards. To mitigate these risks, employers should consider the following strategies:
- Use Prepaid Cards: Load a specific amount of money onto a prepaid card to limit total exposure.
- Set Spending Limits: Use credit card apps to set hard caps on daily or monthly spending.
- Real-Time Alerts: Enable push notifications for every transaction to identify unauthorized spending immediately.
- Immediate Access Revocation: Ensure all cards are canceled or access is revoked the moment an employment contract ends.
The Tiburon Police Department continues to investigate the case and encourages anyone with additional information regarding Novbakhtian to contact them at 415-789-2801.