The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public about a phone scam in which callers pose as sheriff’s employees, sometimes even claiming to be lieutenants, and demand bail money from relatives of incarcerated people, the department said in a statement on Saturday.

Officials say the scammer promises to get a loved one released from the Fresno County Jail in exchange for direct payment, something the agency says it never solicits over the phone.

Deputies caution that scammers may spoof the sheriff’s office phone number to make the calls appear legitimate. Anyone who is threatened, pressured to pay, or asked for personal information is not speaking with an actual employee.

Authorities say the scheme uses scare tactics and often targets vulnerable residents. They urge people to discuss the trend with family members, refuse payment demands, and avoid sharing personal details.

Fresno County residents can report incidents online by visiting the sheriff’s website and filing under “Harassing Phone Call.” Complaints may also be submitted to the Federal Trade Commission.

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