Suspect Impersonates Police: Officials Warn Tri-Valley Residents of Latest Scam

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office is alerting residents to an old Bay Area phone scam that has recently resurfaced in Contra Costa County and the East Bay.

Sheriff’s officials said the scammers call residents claiming to be from the sheriff’s office to notify the caller that they have missed jury duty. The caller, who identifies themselves as a deputy, asks for money in order to keep the court from issuing an arrest warrant.

According to officials, the caller asks the victim to make a payment using a “Green Dot” prepaid debit card service at a local drugstore in order to avoid the warrant. Officials said the numbers associated with the callers have an automated voice message claiming to be the sheriff's office.

“The Office of the Sheriff does not have people pay fines or fees by through reloadable prepaid cards,” officials said in a statement. “Furthermore, the public is never contacted in this way. Anyone receiving such a call should refuse to provide any personal information to the caller or simply hang up. Please contact your local law enforcement agency and notify them of the incident.”

The same scam has recently been reported in Pleasanton.

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