News
Released: June 18, 2025 - Wednesday, 02:19 PM
Recently, the Sheriff's Office has been receiving four to five calls per day from individuals reporting that they were contacted by someone claiming to be from the Sheriff's Office. The caller often states there is a warrant for the person's arrest-commonly citing missed federal jury duty-and demands immediate payment to avoid arrest.
Scammers have been using the names of actual Sheriff's Office employees to make the calls appear legitimate. In many cases, victims are told to report to the Sheriff's Office to pay a fine, or they are threatened with arrest if they hang up. Payment is often demanded in the form of gift cards or other non-traceable methods.
The Sheriff's Office wants to make it clear: this is a scam.
The Sheriff's Office reminds the public that it does not contact individuals by phone to demand money, payment for bail, or the resolution of warrants. We will never ask for or accept money or gift cards as a form of payment for these matters.
Anyone who receives such a call should hang up immediately and report the incident to their local law enforcement agency.
Please help spread the word by informing family, friends, and neighbors-especially seniors and vulnerable individuals-so they are prepared in case they receive a similar call.
Phone Scam
Contact: Tony CipollaPhone: (805) 781-4547Date and time of incident: Currently OngoingPlace of Occurrence: San Luis Obispo CountyVictim Information: N/ASuspect Information: N/AThe Sheriff's Office is warning residents of a phone scam in San Luis Obispo County that's targeting local residents.Recently, the Sheriff's Office has been receiving four to five calls per day from individuals reporting that they were contacted by someone claiming to be from the Sheriff's Office. The caller often states there is a warrant for the person's arrest-commonly citing missed federal jury duty-and demands immediate payment to avoid arrest.
Scammers have been using the names of actual Sheriff's Office employees to make the calls appear legitimate. In many cases, victims are told to report to the Sheriff's Office to pay a fine, or they are threatened with arrest if they hang up. Payment is often demanded in the form of gift cards or other non-traceable methods.
The Sheriff's Office wants to make it clear: this is a scam.
The Sheriff's Office reminds the public that it does not contact individuals by phone to demand money, payment for bail, or the resolution of warrants. We will never ask for or accept money or gift cards as a form of payment for these matters.
Anyone who receives such a call should hang up immediately and report the incident to their local law enforcement agency.
Please help spread the word by informing family, friends, and neighbors-especially seniors and vulnerable individuals-so they are prepared in case they receive a similar call.
