SCAM ALERT: Kidnapping/Ransom Phone Calls 

February 11, 2026 – Mariposa County Sheriff's Office officials report that with the recent national attention surrounding the missing person case of Nancy Guthrie, law enforcement agencies have seen an increase in scam phone calls designed to create fear and panic in our community.

In the most resent scam, Scammers are calling residents and claiming that a loved one has been kidnapped, then demanding a ransom be paid immediately, often through cash apps, online payments, wire transfers, or gift cards.

PLEASE REMEMBER:

• Do not send money to anyone who contacts you this way
• Do not provide personal information
• Hang up immediately
• Call our office right away to report the call

These scams are not new, but due to the heightened interest in the high-profile missing persons cases in the news, scammers appear to be taking advantage of the situation and are out in full force.

If you receive a call like this, contact our office immediately so we can document the incident and investigate.

Source: Mariposa County Sheriff's Office

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