‘This is a scam.’ SLO County Sheriff’s Office warns of fraudsters demanding money
Phone scammers threatening to arrest San Luis Obispo County residents if they don’t make an immediate payment for various reasons, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office said.
“This is a scam,” a Sheriff’s Office news release said.
When the scammer calls, they will say they are from the Sheriff’s Office and tell the victim that there’s a warrant for their arrest, “often for missing federal jury duty,” the release said.
The scammer will demand immediate payment to prevent the arrest. Sometimes, the scammer asks for payment in the form of gift cards “or other nontraceable methods.”
“They are even using the names of real employees to make the call sound legitimate,” the release said.
The Sheriff’s Office told people to hang up immediately if they receive such a call, then report the incident to law enforcement.
“The Sheriff’s Office will never call to demand money, ask for payment over the phone to clear a warrant, or request gift cards,” the release said.
