Scammers Are Impersonating San Mateo County Sheriff's Deputies

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — San Mateo County sheriff's officials are warning area residents of scammers that are attempting to get into your pockets. The would-be thieves are targeting individuals in San Mateo County "in an attempt to defraud people for personal information and money," the sheriff's office said Monday.

The crooks are telling people that they must pay money for not showing up to jury duty, according to officials.

"We have received reports from members of the public who have received unsolicited phone calls from individuals who fraudulently claim to be a sworn member of the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office," the sheriff's office said. "They are told they must pay fees for failure to appear for jury duty."

The person on the line — not a legitimate law enforcement official — tells callers that they can take care of their "fines" by buying gift cards or prepaid "green dot cards" and if they don't cooperate they'll be arrested, the sheriff's office said.

In response, the sheriff's office has an important message:

"DO NOT FALL VICTIM TO THIS SCAM: The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office will never contact a member of the public demanding they pay any fees and/or fines over the phone and will never ask for money or gift cards to be electronically wired," officials said.

If you've already been victimized by this scam, you're asked to call your local law enforcement agency. You can also verify your true jury status s by calling the Superior Court of California County of San Mateo - Jury Division at (650) 599-1700.

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