New scam uses real names of deputies and a fake Sheriff’s website to lure victims into paying

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) – Law enforcement has received recent reports of a new scam involving a fake Sheriff's Office website and callers using the names of actual deputies to trick victims.

According to the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office, multiple reports have been received about scammers impersonating Sheriff's deputies, even using the names of local deputies, on phone calls while demanding money, usually in connection with a warrant for the victim's arrest.

The scammers create a sense of urgency by saying that victims must make a payment immediately to avoid being taken into custody detailed the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office.

While this style of scam isn't new, the latest update is that victims are being directed to a website to pay their faux fines.

The scammers are using, "slocso.org", a website designed to mimic the real Sheriff's Office website at slosheriff.org, but the fake site has a payment option that isn't found on the actual Sheriff's website explained the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office.

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office notes that their office will never contact individuals directly by phone to demand payment or resolve a warrant.

If you receive a call of this nature, you are advised to hang up immediately and report the incident to local law enforcement noted the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office.

The Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office has set up an email just for reporting scams at reportfraud@countyofsb.org as well as a Scam Reporting Hotline at 805-568-2442.

That email and hotline are not intended for emergencies. If you need help right away, always contact your local law enforcement agency.

"This new email gives our community a simple, direct way to reach us if they have been victimized or even suspect a scam," explained Chief Investigator Kristina Perkins, who also hosts a weekly scam-focused podcast, Scam Squad. "It also helps us identify emerging trends and better understand where resources are needed most to protect our vulnerable community members. We are here to listen and connect people with the information and support they need."

Local law enforcement agencies are always looking for the public's help in spreading the word about this and related scams.