The Kern County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents to remain alert as scammers continue to impersonate law enforcement personnel and use threats of arrest, fake warrants and other tactics to pressure victims into sending money.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, scammers have been posing as Sheriff’s Office personnel and telling residents they owe money for fake warrants, missed jury duty or other court-related issues. The scammers may threaten victims with arrest if they do not immediately make a payment.

Residents should be especially cautious when a caller demands payment through gift cards, Bitcoin or other forms of electronic payment.

Scammers are also using text messages as part of their schemes. Some messages claim the recipient owes money for toll road charges or California Department of Motor Vehicles fees and include a link to make a payment. Residents are advised not to click on suspicious links or provide payment or personal information.

The Sheriff’s Office is also warning the public about another scam involving incarcerated individuals.

In this scheme, scammers call family members or friends of an incarcerated person and claim to be Kern County Sheriff’s Office employees. The caller tells the victim that payment is required for the incarcerated individual to use an ankle monitor after being released from custody.

The Sheriff’s Office says these calls are fraudulent and residents should not send money.

There are several warning signs that can help residents recognize a potential scam. Scammers may spoof official telephone numbers so that a call appears to come from a legitimate government agency. They may demand immediate payment, create a sense of urgency or attempt to keep the victim on the phone so there is little opportunity to verify the information.

The Kern County Sheriff’s Office will never ask residents to send money or make payments over the phone or through a text message.

Anyone receiving a suspicious call should hang up rather than provide personal, financial or payment information.

Residents who believe they have received a scam call or message involving the Kern County Sheriff’s Office can report it by calling (661) 861-3110.

The Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to share this information with family members, friends and neighbors, particularly those who may be more vulnerable to high-pressure scams.