Fake warrant calls from unknown persons
“Hello, there is a warrant issued for your arrest!”
On Friday, July 17th, 2020, one of our deputies from the San Dimas Sheriff’s station was called out to take a “Fraud by False Pretenses” report. See, the victim received a phone call from an unknown person and number indicating he was a “Drug Investigator.” This so called Drug Investigator told the victim she had “warrants for her arrest” and there was fraudulent activity with her social security number which she needed to rectify immediately. Thankfully the victim did not believe him, but the unknown caller then asked her if she would feel more comfortable speaking with someone from the San Dimas Sheriff’s station.
To her dismay, a second person called her and identified himself as the someone from San Dimas Sheriff’s station. This second person told her to do everything the “Drug Investigator” asked of her. The “Drug Investigator” then called her back and requested gift cards from her. Sadly, this victim fell into their trap and bought gift cards totaling over $4,000 to “pay” for the clearing of the warrants and the fraudulent activity associated with her social security number.
After discussing this with others, the victim realized she had fallen for this scam and was out $4,000.00.
Please know the following: Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reminds you that we will never call you about any of the following:
*Monetary requests such as gift cards of any type to pay for “warrants”
*Delivery of such monies via telephone
*COVID relief payments/checks — very common now a days
“Threatening Impersonator Phone calls” are not new but they seem to be more common now especially with COVID related charities.
If you are unsure of who you are speaking with, please ask the caller for their information, hang up and call the specific agency in question. DO NOT GIVE ANY OF YOUR INFORMATION over the phone.
Do your homework and be aware of all the possible scams and those who prey on innocent people!
For more information related to tax scams please visit:
