*SCAM WARNINGS*
March 27, 2025 – Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office officials report that several scams have been reported recently, see 
below for summaries of recent scam trends affecting Tuolumne County residents:
"Publisher’s Clearing House," Scam – Scammers claim the victim has won a prize from Publishers Clearing House, and request payment for taxes or fees before the prize can be given. Victims are instructed to send money through cashier’s checks, cash, or gift cards.
Anyone who has been a victim of this scam is urged to utilize the US Homeland Security’s scam reporting tool www.usa.gov/where-report-scams.
Here’s a handout from Publishers Clearing House with information about protecting yourself from scammers posing as PCH: www.uspis.gov/...publishers-clearing-house.pdf.
"Toll Fee," Text Scam – Victims receive a text message saying they owe a toll fee with a link to make a payment.
Anyone who has been a victim of this scam is urged to report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
"Investment Group," Scam – Scammers contact victims online through direct messaging on social media platforms and ask the victim to join an "Investment group," typically to invest in cryptocurrency. Victims are directed to transfer cryptocurrency while being told they are earning money. Over time, they are asked to invest more.
Anyone who has been a victim of this or other cyber-enabled scams is urged to report to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at: www.ic3.gov.
"Fraudulent Activity on Your Card," Scam – Victims receive an alert about fraudulent activity on their card. When they call the number provided, they are connected with a scammer posing as a bank or government employee, who asks them to buy gift cards and share the details.
If you think your personal or financial information has been compromised, visit: www.identitytheft.gov. There you’ll see steps to take to report crime and protect your information.
Please spread the word about scam trends affecting our community. If you are unsure if a call, text, or email was a scam and would like to talk to a deputy for advice, please call our non-emergency line at 209-533-5815
Source: Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office
Related Scam News:
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
