Sheriff’s Office Warns Community About Phone Scams: Hang Up, Don’t Pay
August 25, 2025 – Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office officials announce that they are warning community members about an 
increase in fraudulent phone calls where scammers pose as officials and attempt to pressure victims into paying money.
In these scams, callers claim you owe fines, missed tolls, or face arrest unless you make an immediate payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or electronic apps. These calls can sound convincing, but they are fraudulent. The Sheriff’s Office will never demand payment over the phone, request gift cards, or threaten arrest for unpaid fines.
If you receive a suspicious call:
- Hang up immediately.
- Do not send money or share personal information.
- Call the Sheriff’s Office to verify.
“These scammers rely on fear and urgency to trick people into handing over money,” said Chief Deputy Brad Welch. “We want our community to know they always have the right to hang up and call us directly to confirm whether the call is legitimate.”
You can reach the Sheriff’s Office Communications Center at any time of the day or night at (805) 683-2724.
The Sheriff’s Office encourages community members to share this warning with family, friends, and neighbors—especially seniors, who are often targeted by these schemes.
Source: Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office
Related Scam News:
Tulare County Sheriff Warns of Latest Phone Scam - Warrant for Missed Jury Duty Seeking Payment
Tulare County Sheriff Issues a Scam Alert Warning of Latest Phone Scam
Tulare County Sheriff Issues a Scam Alert - Latest Phone Scam Uses Number to TCSO Dispatch
Sierra County Sheriff Issues a Scam Alert - Impersonators Posing as Jail Staff Seeking Money
Merced County Sheriff Issues a Scam Alert Warning the Public of Warrant Phone Scam
Placer County Sheriff Issues Scam Alert – Do Not Pay Scam Callers Impersonating Law Enforcement
Scam Alert - Modesto Police Department Does Not Ask for Money or Banking Information Over the Phone
Fresno Police Department Issues Scam Alert - Beware of Scams Targeting the Elderly
Tuolumne County Sheriff Issues Scam Alert After Several Scams Have Been Reported Recently
San Luis Obispo County Sheriff Issues Public Warning to Not Fall Victim to Car Buying Scam
Fresno Police Department Issues a Public Service Announcement on How to Identify Scam Facebook Posts
Kern County Sheriff Issues a Scam Alert – Law Enforcement Never Asks for Payment Over the Phone
Calaveras County Sheriff Issues Community Advisement on Recent Mail Theft and Telephone Scams
San Diego County District Attorney Offers Tips to Help You Avoid Charity Scams
