Scammers Impersonating Sheriff's Office Target Santa Cruz Co. Residents

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — Sheriff's officials in Santa Cruz County are warning the public about a phone scam recently reported by residents. According to sheriff's officials, on Thursday a few county residents received phone calls from (415) 347-9850. The callers claimed they were from the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office.

The callers inform the victims that they've missed jury duty and must pay a fine or be arrested. According to sheriff's officials, the victims are then instructed to purchase a Green Dot card at a Walgreens or CVS and once the payment is received, they can go to the sheriff's office to obtain a receipt.

Sheriff's officials said they, nor any other government agency, would ever ask for payment over the phone. The public is urged to be cautious. Anyone who is contacted by a government agency and asked to provide money over the phone is encouraged to call the agency directly for confirmation.

By Bay City News

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