Phone scammer poses as San Benito County Sheriff’s Deputy

The San Benito County Sheriff’s Office said a prior scam has re-surfaced where a caller is claiming to be a local sheriff deputy demanding money.

Captain Eric Taylor said the caller claims the victim is supposed to report to Federal Court for a Grand Jury hearing. The caller explains the victim has a “failure to appear and contempt of court citation” and says they need to pay a fine over the phone.

The phone scammer also makes a threat saying if a payment is not received a Sheriff’s Deputy will respond to make an arrest.

“Please note the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office does not take payment over the phone for any services. We also do not act on behalf of the United States Federal Court. Any correspondence of this nature will come in the form of formal documentation from the US Federal Court system and should be followed up on by contacting the court directly,” said Cpt. Taylor.

The Sheriff’s Office advises folks do not return a call. Instead call the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office at 831-636-4080.