SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The person on the other end of the phone call sounds very believable, they say they are a representative of the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office with a warrant for your arrest for missing federal jury duty.
A couple of South Lake Tahoe residents received this call today, and the caller who gives his badge number, speaks clearly with an American accent, had them close to believing him.
This is a scam.
Law enforcement will never call someone about a warrant for an arrest, never call about alleged missed jury duty, and never ask for money over the phone. They will not you a courtesy call prior to showing up.
The local residents said the caller had their names, mailing addresses, and dates of birth. The caller told them to head to the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office immediately, but that they had to pay the citation for failure to appear before arrival.
One of the locals was suspicious, hung up, and called the phone number that had called them. Many times the criminal will “spoof” the real law enforcement phone number so it appears the call is coming from the real agency.
If you get this type of call, hang up and call law enforcement by looking up their real phone number.
The FBI has lists of common scams listed on their website, https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams, from romance scams to elder fraud.
The website contains tips to help you stay safe and what to do if you’re a victim.