The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is advising mountain residents of a series of phone scams that are currently being utilized by scammers. (File Photo)
By G. T. Houts
San Bernardino, CA – Everyone residing in the mountain communities is a potential target of phone scammers. Fraud isn’t limited to race, ethnic background, gender, age, education, or income.
However, some scams seem to concentrate in certain groups. For example, older people may be targeted because the caller assumes they may live alone, have a nest egg, or may be more polite toward strangers.
LOCAL PHONE SCAMS
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is currently reminding citizens of the increasing frequency of telephone scams occurring throughout our county and others.
One of the recent local scams involves a person impersonating an official from a government agency, typically the sheriff’s department, requesting payment for alleged outstanding warrants or jury absences.
“Please understand that neither the Sheriff’s Department nor its representatives will call or email requesting any such payments,” according to a press release issued by the Sheriff’s Department.
In previous cases, the caller will request personal information such as birth dates and Social Security numbers for verification purposes.
These types of scams usually include payment options such as Green Dot Money Pak or other prepaid debit or credit cards, Money Orders, or Cashier’s Checks.
“These requests are not legitimate and do not originate from our courts or any other official agencies. Court officers never ask for confidential information over the phone,” the media advisory emphasized.
SCAM TIPS
The following tips may help protect you from being a victim of these scams:
• Never reveal any personal information when speaking to an unsolicited caller.
• Court staff will never call to collect fines over the phone. Court correspondence will occur through the mail.
• Verify the person’s identity. Ask for their name and other pertinent details. If they claim to work for a specific county or city, hang up and call the alleged organization at a number you know is correct. The caller is likely to hang up as you begin asking these details.
• Caller ID numbers can be spoofed. Scammers are spoofing caller ID numbers to make them seem more legitimate, making their phone numbers seem like they are calling from a local phone number.
CONTACT AUTHORITIES
Mountain residents receiving calls similar to the one described above are encouraged to call the local Police / Sheriff’s Department to report the incident.
The Twin Peaks Station can be reached at (909) 336-0600 and the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station at (909) 866-0100.
Individuals may also contact the courts to verify that there are no pending matters in their name. (27)