SLO County sheriff warns of ‘grand jury warrant’ phone scam targeting residents
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office is warning county residents about a phone scam from callers demanding payment for a “grand jury warrant” supposedly out for their arrest.
Residents have reported being contacted by someone claiming to be a sheriff’s deputy, according to a Friday news release from the Sheriff’s Office.
People on the receiving end of the calls are warned they have a “grand jury warrant” out for their arrest, the release said.
The caller then indicates that the resident can clear the warrant by posting bail if they purchase gift cards, according to the release.
“We want to caution residents this is a scam,” the Sheriff’s Office said in the release. “The Sheriff’s Office reminds you that it is not our practice to contact residents by phone regarding these matters. Deputy sheriffs will never request money or gift cards in lieu of bail.”
“We encourage you to please inform your family and friends about this scam so they can be prepared in the event they receive a call like this,” the Sheriff’s Office said.
Anyone who receives a similar call are asked to report it to their local law enforcement agency or contact the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office at 805-781-4550.
