The San Diego Sheriff’s Department (SDSO) is warning residents of a phone scam where a caller poses as a deputy and tells the victim a warrant is out for their arrest.
The scam uses a technique called “caller spoofing,” where a scammer will call a victim and make the call seem like it is coming from a government or law enforcement department.
During the phone call, a caller tells the victim a warrant has been issued for their arrest because of a failure to pay taxes or appear in court for jury duty.
Scammers will use names of actual Sheriff’s employees and real substations' phone numbers in their pitches to sound more legitimate, the SDSO said.
Then they will demand money by requesting a credit, debit or prepaid card.
A pushy caller may also have some personal information, including a former address or date of birth, officials said, and may threaten residents with jail time, the SDSO said.
The Sheriff’s Department warned they do not contact residents by phone and demand money or any other form of payment. Officials said if a resident receives a call like the one described above, they should hang up.
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If you receive a call like the one described above, please go to the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) website at www.fcc.gov/complaints to report the incident. Victims of scams can call the Sheriff's Department at (858) 565-5200.
