Merced, CA (February 17, 2026) — Merced County residents are being urged to stay alert after the Sheriff’s Office reported an increase in fraudulent phone calls involving scammers posing as law enforcement and court officials. According to dispatch reports, victims have received calls from individuals falsely claiming to represent the Sheriff’s Office, local courts, or other government agencies. The callers demand both small and large sums of money, often instructing victims to deposit funds into payment kiosks or send money through prepaid cards or wire transfers.
In several reported cases, scammers threatened victims with immediate arrest, jail time, or other legal consequences if payment was not made. Some callers falsely claimed the victim had an outstanding warrant, failed to appear in court, or missed jury duty obligations. Authorities emphasize that these tactics are designed to create panic and pressure victims into acting quickly without verifying the information.
The Merced County Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that legitimate law enforcement agencies and courts do not demand payment over the telephone. The Sheriff’s Office will never instruct someone to deposit money into kiosks, purchase gift cards, or send funds via wire transfer to avoid arrest. Officials stress that threats of immediate arrest over the phone are a common hallmark of a scam.
Phone impersonation scams have become increasingly common nationwide. According to federal consumer protection agencies, scammers frequently “spoof” phone numbers so calls appear to come from legitimate local agencies. This tactic makes the calls seem more credible and increases the likelihood that someone will answer.
Older adults are often primary targets because scammers believe they may be more trusting or less familiar with evolving fraud tactics. However, authorities caution that individuals of all ages have been victimized. People experiencing financial stress, those unfamiliar with the legal system, or individuals who may fear having unknowingly missed a court date are also more vulnerable to these schemes.
Officials encourage anyone who receives a suspicious call to hang up immediately and avoid providing personal information such as Social Security numbers, dates of birth, or banking details. Residents are also urged to speak with family members, particularly elderly relatives, about these scams to help prevent financial losses.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted or victimized is encouraged to contact the Merced County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at (209) 385-7445. In an emergency, call 911.
You can also report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).
