Business owners beware: New scam alert

Business owners are being warned about a possible scam involving the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

ABC said it has received reports of someone calling licensed establishments and demanding the owners pay fines for allegedly selling alcohol to minors. It said in one case, the caller wanted the person to make payments through electronic transfers from a commercial outlet. The scammer appears to be targeting businesses in Northern and Southern California.

In a news release, ABC said it does not handle business this way; it instead does written correspondence.

Anyone who believes they could be a victim is urged to call the nearest ABC office.