Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department officials are warning citizens in Santa Clarita and across the nation about phone calls from individuals who are representing themselves as Department employees, according to a news release.
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The caller ID displays as ‘LA Cnty Sheriff’, which makes it appear as if the call is from the Sheriff’s Department. The call is not from, nor is it associated with the Sheriff’s Department, officials said.
Recent callers have been solicited for lower credit card rates, credit reports and other items dealing with personal credit.
Department officials are advising residents to never give anyone information over the phone, including information about bank accounts, pin numbers, social security numbers or any type of identifying information.
The perpetrators have allegedly told citizens that a warrant was issued for their arrest for failure to appear for jury duty. The caller reportedly told victims that they were required to pay a sum of money or deputies would come and arrest them.
The caller instructed the victim to get a money order, complete a wire transfer, or buy a gift card (usually Green Dot) and send it for payment of the “fine,” according to the news release.
“Be alert, be advised, the LASD or any government agency will never call to solicit money for fines. The Sheriff’s Department does not solicit warrant information by phone,” said officials in the news release. “The LASD or any government agency will never ask you to get a money order, gift card, or wire transfer. LASD personnel will also never go to your home to collect a fee for a warrant. If you have a warrant you will have to pay the fine at the court.”
Sheriff’s department officials advise citizens to always verify the caller and not to call the phone number they provide as verification. Usually numbers provided by the thief will go to a voice recording/message or not be answered, according to the news release. Call the Santa Clarita Sheriff’s Station to verify any solicitation.
“Phone scams thieves are just that: thieves, and they will try to trick you into giving them money and information,” said officials in the news release. “If you receive a call, protect yourself, and your information and never send money.”
If you have sent money or believe that you are a victim of a crime, please call the Santa Clarita Sheriff’s Station at 661-255-1121
If you receive a suspicious phone call/solicitation that you believe is not from a real government agency, please contact The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) at (800) 593-8222.
You can also file a complaint on the DCA website at dca.lacounty.gov.
Do you have a news tip? Call us at (661) 298-1220, or drop us a line at community@hometownstation.com.