The Madera County Sheriff’s Office is alerting residents to a rise in phone scams involving callers impersonating law enforcement, demanding money, or seeking personal financial information. (Shutterstock)
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The Madera County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents, especially seniors, about a recent spike in phone scams in which callers pose as law enforcement, claim a loved one has been arrested, or seek bank information under the guise of processing gift cards.
According to the sheriff’s office, scammers have recently impersonated officers and told victims they have warrants, demanding payment over the phone or through gift cards. Other callers have falsely claimed a family member needs money for an ankle monitor, or have asked for bank details to “deposit” a gift card or charge a small processing fee.
Officials reminded the public that legitimate law enforcement agencies will never request money by phone and urged residents not to provide personal information. They advised asking callers for their company name and offering to call back, a step that typically leads scammers to hang up.
Victims in Madera County are encouraged to report scams as soon as possible by calling (559) 675-7770 or contacting their local police department.
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