Phone scammers claiming to be Sheriff’s Office target SLO County residents
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office advised residents to be on the lookout for a phone scam targeting local residents.
According to a news release Wednesday, in recent days the Sheriff’s Office has received four-to-five calls per day from residents reporting that they were contacted by an individual claiming to be from the Sheriff’s Office.
The individual targeting the residents states there is an active warrant for the target’s arrest for violations such as missing federal jury duty and demands immediate payment to avoid being arrested, according to the news release.
The scammers have used names of Sheriff’s Office employees to make the calls seem legitimate, often informing victims that they must report to the Sheriff’s Office to pay the fine or be arrested if they hang up, according to the release.
The scammers have often demanded payment in the form of gift cards or other non-traceable methods, according to the release.
“The Sheriff’s Office wants to make it clear: This is a scam,” the release read.
According to the release, the Sheriff’s Office does not contact anyone by phone to demand money, payment for bail, or the resolution of warrants, and will never ask for or accept money or gift cards as payment.
The Sheriff’s Office advised residents to spread the word by informing family, friends and neighbors — particularly seniors and vulnerable individuals — so they are prepared in case they receive a similar call, according to the release.
Anyone who receives a scam call should hang up immediately and report the incident to their local law enforcement agency, according to the release.
This story was originally published June 18, 2025 at 3:00 PM.
