Bakersfield, California – Kern County authorities are warning residents about scam calls and text messages demanding immediate payment.
According to the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, officials have received multiple reports of phone and text scams in which callers pose as sheriff’s personnel and claim victims owe money for fake warrants, missed jury duty, or court-related matters.
The Sheriff’s Office said scammers often instruct victims to pay using gift cards, bitcoin, or other electronic methods. Some messages also claim recipients owe road or Department of Motor Vehicles fees. Authorities emphasized those claims are fraudulent.
In a separate variation, callers allegedly identify themselves as KCSO employees and tell victims they must pay monitoring fees for an incarcerated friend or family member before release. The Sheriff’s Office said this is also a scam.
Officials noted several red flags:
- Spoofed phone numbers appearing to be official
- Demands for urgent payment
- Refusal to allow the victim to hang up
The Sheriff’s Office stated it will never request money or payment over the phone or by text message.
Residents are urged to hang up immediately if a call appears suspicious and avoid clicking on links or sending payment. Authorities encourage anyone who has encountered these scams to report them to the Kern County Sheriff’s Office at (661) 861-3110.
The warning may be especially relevant for students and young workers who frequently use digital payment platforms and text communication.
Authorities continue to monitor reports and remind the public to verify claims directly with official agencies before taking action.
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