Scammers posing as SLO County sheriff’s deputies use scare tactic to demand money
Phone scammers are calling San Luis Obispo County residents and demanding money, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office said on Thursday.
The scammer claims to be from the Sheriff’s Office, often using names of Sheriff’s Office employees.
“In these calls, the scammer typically tells the victim there is a warrant for their arrest and demands immediate payment to avoid being taken into custody,” the release said.
The scammer directs people to a fraudulent website, slocoso.org, to pay a fake fine.
“While it appears nearly identical, the fake site includes a payment option that does not exist on the legitimate website,” the release said.
The Sheriff’s Office’s true website is slosheriff.org.
The Sheriff’s Office does not contact people by phone to resolve warrants, ask for money or payment for bail.
If you receive such a call, hang up and report the incident to a local law enforcement agency.
“Residents are encouraged to help spread awareness by informing family members, friends and neighbors, especially seniors and vulnerable individuals, so they are prepared should they receive a similar call,” the release said.
The scam is under investigation.
