Sheriff warns of phone scam circulating through county
Caller claims to be deputy sheriff, asks residents to ‘clear warrant by purchasing gift cards’
–The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office is warning about a phone scam that’s targeting a number of residents in the county.
Several people have reported that they had been contacted by someone claiming to be a deputy sheriff. They were warned they had a “Grand Jury Warrant” out for their arrest. The caller indicates the resident can clear the warrant by posting bail if they purchase gift cards. This is a scam.
The sheriff’s office says that it is not their practice to contact residents by phone regarding these matters. Deputy sheriffs will never request money or gift cards in lieu of bail.
Anyone who receives a call like this should report it to their local law enforcement agency or contact the Sheriff’s Office at (805) 781-4550.
Readers are encouraged to share this information with family and friends so they can be prepared in the event they receive a call like this.
