BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — The Kern County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a phone scam targeting people. Reports have surfaced of callers impersonating KCSO personnel, demanding electronic payments to resolve supposed legal issues such as warrants, missed jury duty, or contempt of court.
The scammers threaten arrest if payments, often requested in the form of gift cards or bitcoin, are not made. Victims have also reported being instructed to visit the sheriff’s office for services like signature comparison or document retrieval after payment.
The sheriff’s office emphasized that it does not request money, banking, or payment information over the phone, nor does it accept payments for fees, tickets, or fines in this manner. “If there is a warrant out for your arrest, you will not receive a call,” the department stated…