Lassen Superior Court Warns of Phone Scam

Scammers claim to be from local law enforcement and courts to trick victims into sending cash, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:39pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a cracked smartphone screen reflecting a red warning light, conveying the stark, investigative mood of a phone scam targeting vulnerable residents.A harsh, unforgiving close-up of a smartphone screen damaged by a scam call exposes the gritty reality of phone-based fraud targeting unsuspecting victims.Susanville Today

Lassen Superior Court has issued a warning about a phone scam targeting members of the public. The scammers claim to be from local law enforcement agencies or the court itself, using real names and case details to appear legitimate. They then instruct victims to withdraw cash, purchase gift cards, or deposit cryptocurrency to avoid arrest or other consequences.

Why it matters

Phone scams can be difficult to detect, especially when the callers spoof legitimate phone numbers and use real names and details. This scam specifically targets the public's trust in local authorities, which could undermine confidence in the justice system if left unchecked.

The details

In the reported incidents, the scammer may claim the victim failed to appear in court, is in contempt, or did not respond to a summons. They then direct the victim to take actions like withdrawing cash, buying gift cards, or using cryptocurrency - all of which are red flags for a scam. Lassen Superior Court has clarified they will never instruct people to take these actions, even for legitimate court-related matters.

  • The scam reports started coming in to Lassen Superior Court in early 2026.

The players

Lassen Superior Court

The superior court for Lassen County, California, which has been alerted to the phone scam targeting local residents.

Lassen County Sheriff's Office

A law enforcement agency that scammers are falsely claiming to represent in the phone calls.

Susanville Police Department

Another law enforcement agency that scammers are falsely claiming to represent in the phone calls.

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What’s next

Lassen Superior Court is urging the public to be vigilant about these scam calls and to independently verify any claims by contacting the appropriate agency directly using a verified phone number.

The takeaway

This phone scam highlights the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any calls claiming to be from law enforcement or the courts, as scammers are increasingly sophisticated in spoofing real phone numbers and using personal details to appear credible. Residents should be cautious of any demands to send cash, purchase gift cards, or use cryptocurrency, as these are common tactics used by scammers.