Beware! New phone scam hits Mono County

Date:     September 1, 2015
Subject: New phone scam targets Mono County

The Mono County Sheriff's Office has received numerous reports from residents throughout Mono County, specifically the Crowley Lake area, of a recent phone scam.  We want to make everyone aware of the current phone scam you may experience.

The current phone scam includes a male caller stating he is Lieutenant Foster (or another name may be given) of the Mono County Sheriff’s Office. He states that you failed to appear at jury duty and there is a $5,000 fine that you must pay. If the fine is not paid over the phone, someone from the Mono County Sheriff’s Office will come to your residence within 20 minutes and place you under arrest.  The caller also will provide you with a fake Assistant District Attorney’s name and clarify that there has been an arrest warrant issued for you if the fine isn’t paid immediately.

This is a phone scam to try and access your personal financial information. Phone scammers are getting aggressive in their means to try and gain access to personal financial information.

The Mono County Sheriff's Office wants you to be aware of this phone scam as it has created some panic amongst Mono County residents. Remember to never give personal information and credit card information over the phone. You should monitor your credit reports and your credit card and bank statements on a regular basis! Keep your identity and information protected!

If you would like to report any suspicious phone scams or verify that you have been a victim of a phone scam, please contact us at (760) 932-7549. - Jennifer M. Hansen, Public Information Officer