Scammers Targeting Residences Needing Alert System Access

REDWOOD CITY, CA -- San Mateo County officials are concerned about an aggressive scam in which texters illegally pose as deputies and claim an association with the county's alert emergency notification system.

Residents have told the county sheriff's department they've received a text message claiming to be a part of the SMC alert system and needing access to their homes to inspect them, a practice the sheriff's would not do. Citizens are told to call 911 to report suspicious activity at their door or on the phone.

Bill Silverfarb, working with San Mateo County Supervisor David Canepa, expressed a little alarm by how assertive these scammers are to ask for home access.

"There's a chance this is a local stand, instead of one of these international scams. It's more fear-based," Silverfarb told Patch.

The county also shared its irritation that the nature of the scam may avert residents from signing up for much-needed alerts.

Canepa's office delivered a statement:

"These fraud artists are despicable and are undermining law enforcement's efforts to sign more people up for this potentially life-saving alert system," Canepa said. "I urge the public not to fall for this scam and to call 911 if you have any concern as to who may be at your door."

Along with communicating during a major emergency or disaster, the SMC Alert system notifies residents about situations such as crime alerts, major road closures and wildlife warnings.

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