Full Notification

HOLLISTER, CALIFORNIA – March 17th, 2026 – The Hollister Police Department is investigating reports that unknown suspects are posing as law enforcement and scamming elderly Hollister residents for large sums of money.
On March 17th, Hollister Police officers received a report from an elderly Hollister resident that the day prior, an unknown subject had called them and claimed to be a United States Marshall. The unknown suspect told the victim they owed money for an alleged crime and demanded payment. They threatened the victim with incarceration if their demand was not met, and the victim transferred an undisclosed amount of money to the suspect.
Today, the suspect called once again, demanding more money, this time from a number that was “spoofed” to appear to be the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office. The victim notified our office, and we began an investigation.
As a reminder, legitimate law enforcement agencies will never call you and demand payment over the phone. If you receive a suspicious call or a call from local law enforcement, you can verify the caller's identity by calling our 24-hour dispatch center at 831-636-4331 (Hollister Police) or 831-636-4080 (San Benito Sheriff’s Office). We can also assist in identifying agents calling from our federal law enforcement partners.
This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding these investigations is requested to contact the Hollister Police Department at 831-636-4331. Persons wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.
# # # #
Prepared by: B. Leland, Sergeant
Approved by: M. Paddy, Captain
Case #26-0643