Disturbing Phone Scam Hits Santa Cruz Co.: Police Warn Residents

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — Police are warning residents of a disturbing phone scam reported to the Scotts Valley Police Department and the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office over the past several weeks. According to police, a male called the Scotts Valley victim and claimed to have her daughter and had a gun to her head.

The caller put a crying female on the phone who said, "Help me mom. Help me mom." The call disconnected right after the male returned to the line asking if the mother was planning on helping her daughter. The victim was able to quickly reach her daughter to confirm that she was safe.

Police said the suspect called from +5258126792319. Last month, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office said they had a similar call reported from 811-759-8265.

“Scotts Valley Police believe the scammers are using social media accounts to gain information about family members prior to making telephone calls,” police said via social media.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Scotts Valley Police Department at 831-440-5670.

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