Gift Card Phone Scam Resurfaces In Tri-Valley

SAN RAMON, CA — Police officials are warning residents about an old Bay Area phone scam that recently resurfaced and has been reported to the San Ramon Police Department. Police said the suspect calls the victim and tells them they need to pay a bill of some type, whether private or public, with a prepaid cash or gift card.

“If someone calls you, presents an unusual scenario that may involve someone you know, and then asks you to go out and purchase gift cards, cash cards, or any other type of prepaid card as a method of payment to rectify whatever scenario they presented, IT IS A SCAM,” police officials said via social media.

In 2016, phone scammers tried calling Tri-Valley residents claiming to be from the sheriff’s office or local police department to notify the caller that they have missed jury duty. The caller, who identifies themselves as law enforcement, asks for money in order to keep the court from issuing an arrest warrant.

Police urge residents to avoid giving out personal information over the phone and ask residents to report suspicious calls to their non-emergency dispatch line at 925-973-2779.

See Also:

• Disturbing Phone Scam Hits Santa Cruz County

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