The Merced County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a phone scam in which callers falsely claim to be sheriff’s office employees and attempt to collect money from victims.

According to the sheriff’s office, multiple reports have been received involving callers posing as a sheriff’s lieutenant. The scammers tell victims that a loved one has been arrested and claim the District Attorney’s Office is offering diversion treatment if a bond payment is made.

Authorities said the calls are fraudulent and emphasized that sheriff’s office personnel will never call individuals to demand payment over the phone.

The sheriff’s office said scammers often use spoofed phone numbers to make calls appear legitimate and create a sense of urgency to pressure victims into acting quickly.

Officials noted that phone scams have become increasingly common and urged residents to remain cautious when answering calls from unknown numbers.

Got a Tip?

Anyone who receives a suspicious call is advised to hang up immediately and report the incident to the Merced County Sheriff’s Office at (209) 385-7445 or through the Online Reporting section of the agency’s website.

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