Ventura County Deputies Warn of Phone Scam

Ventura County deputies are alerting residents about a new phone scam that has already swindled several people out of thousands of dollars.

The Scam

The scam involves a fake call from “Sergeant Locker” of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, claiming that the victim missed a grand jury summons and owes $1,500 in court fees. The scammer convinces victims to buy Bitcoin and transfer the funds to a cryptocurrency wallet. Once the money is received, the scammer empties the wallet and disconnects the phone number.

Warning Signs

Deputies advise residents to be cautious of the following:

• Unsolicited calls from individuals claiming to be from the Sheriff’s Office, especially “Sergeant Locker”
• Requests for fine payments over the phone, particularly with cryptocurrency or gift cards
• Solicitations for sensitive information over the phone or via email

Tips to Avoid the Scam

• Be wary of unexpected calls from law enforcement agencies
• Never provide sensitive information or make payments over the phone
• Verify the authenticity of calls by contacting the local police station using their official phone number

What to Do if You Receive a Suspicious Call

• Hang up immediately
• Block the number if possible
• Contact the local police station using their official phone number

Reporting the Scam

If you believe you have fallen victim to this scam, contact the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office at 805-654-9511.