The California Borough Police Department in Washington County has issued an alert following multiple complaints about fraudulent phone calls.
The callers are falsely claiming to represent the Washington County Sheriff’s Department.
Police emphasized that legitimate law enforcement agencies will never call residents to demand payment for fines, warrants, missed court dates or jury duty.
Officers also do not request payments via gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency or cash applications.
Additionally, authorities warned that caller ID numbers can be spoofed, meaning a display showing a law enforcement agency’s number may be fraudulent.
Police advise anyone who receives a suspicious call to hang up immediately without providing personal or financial details.
Residents should not send money regardless of how urgent or threatening the caller sounds.
Individuals who have already transferred funds should contact their bank immediately and call 911 to file a police report.
Authorities also urge residents to share the alert with family, friends and older neighbors who may be targeted by fraudulent schemes.
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