PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
Scam Alert – Impersonators Posing as Jail Staff
The Sierra County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public about a recent scam targeting relatives of incarcerated individuals. In this case, scammers contacted a family member of a jailed individual, falsely claiming to be jail staff. The impersonators stated that a judge had seen the individual via video and that they could be released either by posting bail or by paying for a GPS monitoring program. The scammers requested payment and created a sense of urgency to pressure the victim into acting quickly.
Please be advised:
1. Jail staff do not contact families to solicit bail or electronic monitoring payments.
2. Legitimate bail transactions are handled through the court system or licensed bail bond agents.
3. Never provide payment or personal information to unknown callers.
If you receive a suspicious call of this nature:
1. Hang up immediately.
2. Do not send money or share personal details.
3. Contact the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office to report the incident.
For more information or to report a scam, call the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office at (530) 289-3700.
