Siskiyou County, CA – Authorities are warning residents after a surge in scam reports involving individuals allegedly posing as law enforcement and government officials in an effort to obtain money and sensitive information.
According to the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office, the alert was issued this week following multiple reports of scammers claiming to represent the Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, or the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Officials said these scams often involve unsolicited phone calls, text messages, or emails designed to pressure victims into making immediate payments or sharing personal data.
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that deputies will never call residents to demand money or request sensitive information over the phone. Officials also noted that outstanding warrants cannot be resolved through phone payments and must be handled through the court system during regular business hours.
Authorities further warned that DMV-related scams frequently include text messages with fraudulent payment links. These messages may request Social Security numbers, banking details, or full driver’s license numbers—information the DMV does not solicit via text or email. In some cases, scammers allegedly threaten arrest, fines, or license suspension to create urgency.
Officials added that Social Security scams remain common, with callers posing as federal agents and demanding payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or digital payment apps such as Venmo or Zelle.
Residents are urged to verify any suspicious contact by calling official agency phone numbers directly. The Federal Trade Commission also encourages victims to report scams through its website or by phone.
Authorities remind the public to avoid clicking unknown links, responding to suspicious messages, or sharing personal information with unverified sources.
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