Sonora, CA…From the Tuolumne Sheriff’s Office…”Thanks to a community member for alerting us of a phone scam. The resident told us she got a call from someone claiming to be a deputy with the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office. The caller told the woman she had a warrant for her arrest and needed to pay a bond. The caller then provided the name of a retired deputy when he was asked to identify himself. We determined the caller was not who he claimed to be, and the phone call was a scam.

Please be aware of these scams and follow a few guidelines to help you in determining a possible scam.

Be aware that scammers can change the phone number that shows up on your caller ID screen.

Independently research businesses, charities, or claims being made by the caller.

Don’t give into the pressure the caller creates to take immediate action.

Don’t provide any personal identifying information to the caller.

Don’t send money if requested to do so via a wire transfer, pre-paid debit card, or gift card.

If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a member of the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office, you can call the sheriff’s office non-emergency number (209-533-5815) to verify they are who they claim. Please share this with your loved ones and friends.”