Crime & Safety
Extortionist Targets Santa Cruz County Residents
The fraudster is pretending to be a sheriff's sergeant and is threatening arrest if people don't pay.
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about a scam whereby the con artist pretends to be a sheriff's sergeant in an effort to extort money.
The scammer is telling victims that they have warrants, missed jury duty, or owe money to the sheriff's department, according to the SCCSO.
The sheriff's office is reminding residents that the department never requests payment over the phone and will never request payment in lieu of arrest.
Find out what's happening in Santa Cruzfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
