The Lassen County Sheriff’s Office is warning area residents to be alert after receiving numerous reports of scammers making fraudulent calls related to alleged outstanding warrants for arrest.
The agency has received numerous calls recently from residents reporting they have been receiving phone calls by individuals claiming to be from the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office.
“The individuals calling state they have a warrant for their arrest,” explains LCSO Lt. Dave Woginrich, “but they can settle the warrant by sending bail money or providing a credit card number over the phone.”
According to Woginrich this is a scam. Personnel from the Sheriff’s Office do not call residents to tell them they have a warrant for their arrest.
“One thing all of these types of scams have in common is that they always try to keep the caller on the line at all costs. They pressure the caller with an urgency to send money or credit card information or else they will be arrested. Do not give in to their pressure tactics! Independently verify what they are telling you is true.”
Woginrich said that the callers present themselves as professionals and are smooth talkers.
“If someone calls and represents themselves in a way described in this notice, ask them for their name and phone number and tell them you will call back after verifying with your local law enforcement agency. Don’t be a victim! If something doesn’t feel right about the call, listen to your instincts and take steps to verify.”
