The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff is warning the public about recent scam phone calls from someone claiming to be with the Sheriff’s Office who said the person had an active arrest warrant for not showing up for jury duty.
The caller directs the person to send money using a cryptocurrency ATM or be arrested. In another scenario, scammers had listeners make payment on the phone through reloadable prepaid cards that can be purchased at a local store.
“The Sheriff’s Office does not have people pay fines or fees in this manner nor are citizens ever contacted in this way,” officials said, adding that, unfortunately, “Many people have been victimized by this type of fraudulent activity.”
The Sheriff’s Office advises anyone receiving such a call to refuse to provide personal information to the caller or simply hang up.
“Please contact your local law enforcement agency and notify them of the incident to see if a report could be taken,” officials said.