The Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about an increase in scam phone calls in which callers claim a loved one has been kidnapped and demand immediate ransom payments.

The sheriff’s office said the surge in calls follows recent national attention surrounding the missing person case of Nancy Guthrie, with scammers attempting to create fear and panic in the community.

In the most recent scheme, callers tell residents a family member has been taken and demand payment right away, often requesting money through cash apps, online payments, wire transfers or gift cards.

“These scams are not new, but due to the heightened interest in high-profile missing persons cases in the news, scammers appear to be taking advantage of the situation and are out in full force,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.

Authorities urged residents not to send money or provide personal information to anyone who contacts them this way, to hang up immediately, and to call the sheriff’s office to report the call at (209) 966-3615.

The office said reports help document incidents and allow investigators to look into the scams.

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