Scam Alert: OC Sheriff Warns San Clemente Residents Of New Scam

SAN CLEMENTE, CA — A new telephone scam has surfaced in the Orange County community, the Orange County Sheriff's Department reported on Twitter Tuesday.

According to the department, community members have reported scammers posing as representatives with the Orange County Sheriff's Department in an attempt to steal personal information from unsuspecting residents.

"Please know that OC Sheriff will never call you and ask for payment," A spokesperson with the Orange County Sheriff's Department wrote on Twitter.

If you think you've been scammed, the OCSD strongly encourages residents to stop contact with the scammer immediately and report the scam to the OCSD dispatch at 714-647-7000.

Additionally, residents should always secure their finances if they think they've been scammed — that means reporting potentially compromised bank accounts, credit or debit card information, to your bank immediately. Residents can also place a free security freeze on their credit report.