Scammer Targeting Fresno County Residents with Jail Release Scheme

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The Fresno County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about a scammer who is calling people and claiming to be a ranking member of the department. The scammer tells victims that they can get their loved ones out of jail for a fee paid via cryptocurrency or digital payment platforms like Zelle or Cash App. The sheriff's office has made clear they do not make such solicitations for money or fines over the phone.

Why it matters

This scam preys on vulnerable residents with incarcerated loved ones, tricking them into paying money under false pretenses. It highlights the need for the public to be vigilant against phone-based fraud schemes targeting the local community.

The details

The scammer identifies himself as a member of the Fresno County Sheriff's Office and tells victims that if they pay a fee, their incarcerated loved one will be given an ankle monitor, assigned to an intervention program, and then have the ankle monitor returned to the jail for a full refund of the money. However, the sheriff's office has confirmed this is a complete fabrication and that they do not make such solicitations for money or fines over the phone.

• The Fresno County Sheriff's Office has recently received multiple reports of this scam.

What’s next

The Fresno County Sheriff's Office is investigating the scam and urging residents to be cautious of unsolicited phone calls requesting money.