July 3, 2025 - The Mendocino County Sheriff's Office has issued a public alert following a surge in reports from residents targeted by fraudulent phone calls and emails. According to officials, the scams are particularly aimed at senior citizens.
In the reported schemes, perpetrators contact individuals and falsely claim they have missed a court summons or that a warrant has been issued for their arrest. The scammers then pressure the target into providing personal information or sending money to resolve the fabricated legal issue.
"Thankfully, most of the recipients recognized these were fraud attempts and did not provide any personal identifying information or funds," the Sheriff's Office noted in a statement. However, they are urging the public to remain vigilant.
This type of "government impersonation" scam relies on creating a sense of fear and urgency to trick victims into acting without thinking. Officials stress that a legitimate law enforcement agency or court will never demand payment or financial information over the phone to clear a warrant.
How to Protect Yourself From Scams:
To help residents safeguard their personal and financial information, the Sheriff's Office and consumer protection agencies offer the following advice:
Never Provide Personal Information: Do not give out your Social Security number, bank account details, or other sensitive information in response to an unsolicited phone call or email.
Be Skeptical of Threats and Urgent Demands: Scammers often use high-pressure tactics. If a call or email makes you feel anxious or rushed, it's a major red flag. Hang up or delete the message.
Verify Independently: If you are concerned about a potential legal issue, contact the court or law enforcement agency directly using a phone number from an official government website. Do not use contact information provided by the suspected scammer.
Recognize Illegitimate Payment Methods: Law enforcement and government agencies will not ask you to pay fines using gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. These are common tools for fraudsters.
If It Sounds Too Good to Be True, It Is: This classic advice holds true for scams promising prizes or large sums of money, which often require you to pay a fee upfront. This is always a fraud.
Residents who receive suspicious calls or emails are encouraged to report them to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at (707) 463-4086. Reporting these incidents can help law enforcement track scam patterns and warn others in the community.