SCAM ALERT: Don’t Be Fooled by Fake Calls Claiming to Be TCSO 

April 26, 2026 – Tulare County Sheriff’s Office officials report that they have recently received reports of fraudulent phone calls from an individual claiming to be “Sergeant Austin” with our department.

This is a scam.

The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office will NEVER:

• Ask for personal or banking information over the phone
• Demand payment or collect fines by phone
• Threaten arrest for non-payment during a phone call

These scammers may sound convincing and use real names or titles—but their goal is to scare you into giving up sensitive information or money.

What you should do:

• Hang up immediately if you receive a suspicious call
• Do not provide any personal or financial information
• Report the call to your local law enforcement agency

When in doubt, hang up and verify.

Source: Tulare County Sheriff’s Office

Related: Tulare County Sheriff Issues Scam Alert: Don’t Be Fooled by Fake Calls Claiming to Be TCSO

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