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The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents to be on guard against a wave of phone scams that deputies say are designed to create panic and trick people into sending money.
Some callers are falsely claiming that residents missed jury duty, while others demand payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency or wire transfers — a tactic authorities stress no government agency or legitimate company would ever use.
“Scammers pressure you to act immediately. Scammers want you to act before you have time to think. If you’re on the phone, they might tell you not to hang up so you can’t check out their story,” the Sheriff’s Office said in an alert Wednesday.
The law enforcement agency said other common red flags include callers or emails from unfamiliar numbers and addresses, demands to switch communication to another app, or threats that you or a family member is in trouble with the government or a utility company.
Authorities are urging residents who receive such calls to hang up, verify information directly with the agency or business, and never send money until confirming it is legitimate.
Victims are asked to contact the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office at (650) 363-4911 to make a report.
