PRESS RELEASE
On March 21, 2019, the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office received a phone call from a local Downieville citizen regarding a phone scam. The scammer was using fake caller ID and the phone number displayed was the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office number (530) 289-3700. The caller identified himself as a Sierra County Deputy Sheriff and provided a fake name and badge number. The scammer possessed personal information about the individual called. Scammers often obtain information such as names, addresses, and vehicle registration information.
Scammers are telling would be victims they have an arrest warrant and to avoid going to jail they must pay money through the Cash Advance America system. The scammer also claimed the California Attorney General’s Office was involved, and if payment was not made, law enforcement officers will respond within thirty minutes to arrest them.
This style of scam is very similar to recent phone scams in Plumas County. If you receive unsolicited calls demanding money and payment is to be made through gift cards and or wire transfers it is most likely a scam. The best action is to just hang- up and not provide the caller with any information. As a general rule, law enforcement does not call and notify you if you have an active arrest warrant.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding a possible scam, or if you believe you were the victim of a scam please contact the sheriff’s office.
SIERRA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE (530) 289-3700 ###
