Scam Alert – Beware of Phone & Text Message Scams! 

October 22, 2025 – Kern County Sheriff's Office officials report that scammers are posing as Sheriff's Office personnel, demanding payment for fake warrants, missed jury duty, or court issues. They often ask for gift cards, Bitcoin, or other electronic payments and may threaten arrest.

Some are now sending text messages claiming you owe toll road or DMV fees. These are fake. Do not click links or send payment.

Red flags:

• They spoof official numbers
• Demand urgent payment
• Won't let you hang up

The Kern County Sheriff's Office will NEVER ask for money or payment over the phone or via text.

If the call seems suspicious, hang up.

Report scams: (661) 861-3110

Source: Kern County Sheriff's Office

Related: Mariposa County Sheriff Issues a Scam Alert Warning Residents of Fake Warrant Calls Seeking Payment

Orange County Sheriff Issues a Phishing Scam Warning - Protect Yourself, Don’t Take the Bait

Merced County Sheriff Issues Scam Alert – Law Enforcement Will Never Call About a Warrant or Ask for Payment

Stanislaus County Sheriff Issues a Scam Alert of Fraudulent Bail Bond Calls Targeting Families

Placer County Sheriff Issues Scam Alert for Local Businesses

Mono County Sheriff Warns Community of Scammers Impersonating Mono County Offices and Demanding Payments

Tulare County Sheriff Announces New Scam Uses Fake TCSO Website to Trick Victims

Los Angeles County Sheriff Alert - Scammers Using Phone, Emails, or Texts to Pose as Bank, Law Enforcement, or Government Offices

Placer County Sheriff Issues a Scam Alert – Beware of New Warrant, Jail, and Missed Jury Duty Scams

Madera County Sheriff Issues a Scam Alert - Payment is Never Demanded Over the Phone

Amador County Sheriff Issues Scam Alert – Be Advised Law Enforcement Does Not Request Any Payment Over the Phone

Placer County Sheriff Issues Warning of Fake Tech Support Scams Targeting Seniors

Santa Barbara County Sheriff Warns Community About Phone Scams: Hang Up, Don’t Pay

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

Madera County Sheriff Issues a Scam Alert - Caller Posing as a Deputy to Fraudulently Collect Fines for Tickets or Warrants

Fresno Deputies Arrest Multiple Suspects for Fraudulently Using Social Media and Stolen Credit Cards in Scam

Placer County Sheriff Seeking Additional Victims After San Gabriel Man Arrested for Scam Involving an Elderly Victim in Auburn

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

Kern County Sheriff Scam Alert - Sheriff’s Office 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

Scam Suspect Arrested in Stanislaus County Attempting to Take Additional $50,000 from Elderly Oakdale Man

San Luis Obispo County Sheriff Issues Public Warning to Not Fall Victim to Car Buying Scam

Ventura County Sheriff Issues Scam Alert Reminder – Payment is Not Needed for Missing Court or Other Violations

Plumas County Sheriff Issues Scam Alert Urging Everyone to Stay Vigilant Especially During Tax Season

El Dorado County Sheriff Issues a Scam Alert - Scammers Posing as Officials Asking for Payments Over the Phone

Ventura County Sheriff Issues Scam Alert – Beware of Scammers Using Immigration Status to Ask for Money