In the beginning of August 2014, several reports were made to the Sheriff’s Office and other
local area law enforcement agencies regarding a telephone scam where the suspects were
posing as Sheriff’s Office employees, demanding money to clear arrest warrants for failing to
appear for jury duty.
The suspect who had a male voice and spoke with a southern accent, told the victims that they
needed to go to a store and purchase prepaid credit cards in the amounts of $1,000.00-
$1,500.00 and give the card numbers to the officer to get the warrant cleared or they would be
arrested. The suspect would remain on the phone with the victim until the cards were purchased
and the victim read off the numbers.
Several of the victims were elderly and complied with the demands. The Sheriff’s Office Major
Crimes Unit has been actively investigating these incidents. We urge all citizens to beware of
these types of scams and do not comply with any demands over the phone asking for money. If
you and/or a family member is a victim of this or any other telephone scam we urge you to
contact your local law enforcement agency and make a report. If you have any information
regarding these recent cases please contact the Major Crimes Unit at the listed number or by
email at MCU@co.shasta.ca.us.
– Press Release
