Full Notification

The Kern County Sheriff’s Office would like to warn citizens of a possible phone scam that has been circulating in the Kern County area today.

Numerous citizens have reported receiving calls from callers who identify themselves as being employees of the Sheriff’s Office. The callers have been able to provide names, and in some cases identification numbers, of Sheriff’s Office employees. The callers advise that the person being called owes money for outstanding warrants and needs to pay the warrant fine immediately via money order or be arrested.

This is a common scam that has been circulating throughout the United States for several years. The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind citizens that we do not solicit payments for outstanding warrants via phone. Citizens should be wary of callers soliciting information or currency without verifying who they are speaking to.

If you believe you have possibly been targeted or receive a similar type call, try to note the number of the incoming call and immediately hang up. Do not provide the caller any personal information. Report any suspicious calls or possible phone scam calls to your local law enforcement agency.

For further information on how to avoid being the target of a scam, call the Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Unit at 661-392-6914.