The Monterey County District Attorney’s Office warned residents against scammers masquerading as law enforcement to trick victims into providing personal information or sending money.
In a statement Tuesday, the District Attorney’s Office said that a scammer claims to be a process server trying to find an individual and asks for personal information. Another scheme involves a swindler claiming that money must be paid to bail a loved one out of jail.
Potential victims could also be threatened with a warrant for supposed failure to comply with a jury duty summons.
“Never send money to persons that contact you over the phone or the internet and seek immediate payment of money. Scammers will try to intimidate potential victims — the best way to protect yourself is to hang up. If you are unsure if you are speaking to a true law enforcement officer, ask for that person’s name and agency. Then look up that agency’s public number online or in the phone book and call the agency directly,” prosecutors said.
The District Attorney’s Office added, “Scammers may often present some legitimate information, such as a badge or license number in order to confuse you, so it is important to independently confirm a call’s legitimacy. Most importantly, legitimate law enforcement officials will never call you over the phone to demand payment of money.”
Residents were encouraged to inform others about these scams.
Any resident who was victimized by this scam, or who has information about a potential fraud, is urged to file a complaint with their local police department or Sheriff’s Office.
“Additionally, you can alert our office to scams by completing the consumer complaint form located on the Monterey County District Attorney’s website and emailing it to consumercomplaints@countyofmonterey.gov or mailing it to the District Attorney’s Office at 1200 Aguajito Road, Suite 301, Monterey, CA 93940, or by calling the District Attorney’s Office at (831) 647-7770,” prosecutors said.