Phone Scam
November 9, 2023 - Kern County Sheriff’s Office officials report that the Sheriff’s Office would like to warn the public about a phone scam targeting individuals in Kern County.
At this time, we are still receiving reports that residents are receiving phone calls from someone claiming to be Sergeant Newell and is either asking for payment for missing jury duty or for information regarding a case. The caller is asking for electronic payment.
This is a scam. Kern County Sheriff’s Office will not ask for payment.
We are also receiving reports that a Sergeant Edward Obrien of the Kern County Sheriff's Office with claims of failure to appear in Federal Court and asking for a meeting in person to verify signatures.
This is a scam. Kern County Sheriff's Office will not ask you to verify your signature.
We still receive reports of residents receiving phone calls about warrants for their arrest.
Kern County Sheriff’s Office does not ask for money, banking or payment information over the phone or accept payment for fees, tickets, or fines.
When you take a phone call you suspect to be a scam; you can ask the caller for their name, employee identification number, callback number, and a reference number for the matter they are calling about. This information can be used to contact the organization directly to determine the validity of the request.
If you receive suspicious telephone calls that you believe to be a scam, you are urged to contact the Kern County Sheriff's Office at (661) 861-3110, or your local law enforcement agency to report the incident.
Source: Kern County Sheriff’s Office
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