August 30, 2026 – Ventura County Sheriff’s Office officials report that they have received information of a scam being perpetuated on members of the community, involving their family members who are in our custody. 

The caller identifies themselves as a member of the agency and is calling about a family member who is in custody. The caller provides arrest “details,” which is an attempt to build trust. The caller then says that if the family member pays the bail amount, the subject in custody will be released on ankle monitoring. The caller will also say there will be consequences to the subject in custody if the family does not comply which is an attempt to apply fear and pressure to the family member, to gain their compliance with this scam. 

The Sheriff’s Office does not call individuals to request bail amounts be paid. In addition, there is an application process regarding how a subject in custody requests to be reviewed for electronic monitoring.

Anyone who has been victimized by this scam is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Office to make a report (805) 654-9511.

Source: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office