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Merced County Sheriff’s Office warns public of telephone scam

A Merced County Sheriff’s Office vehicle. Merced Sun-Star file image.
A Merced County Sheriff’s Office vehicle. Merced Sun-Star file image. akuhn@mercedsun-star.com

The Merced County Sheriff’s Office is warning people of a telephone scam that they’ve received several reports on.

The victims reported an unknown male subject identifying himself as a lieutenant in the Merced County Sheriff’s Office and informing people he calls they have a warrant for their arrest. The suspect then tells people in order to avoid arrest they need to drive to purchase gift cards to pay the fines.

“The Merced County Sheriff’s Office would like the public to be aware that we never solicit calls for money in lieu of arrest from anyone,” the Merced County Sheriff’s Office stated in a Facebook post. “We will also never ask for your social security number over the telephone.”

If you receive one of these phone calls, contact your local law enforcement agency. It is important for citizens to be alert, remain vigilant and always protect your personal information.

Shawn Jansen
Merced Sun-Star
Sports writer Shawn Jansen has been covering Merced area sports for 20 years. He came to Merced from Suisun City and is a graduate of San Diego State University. Prior to the Sun-Star, Shawn worked at the Daily Republic in Fairfield.
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