People lose a lot of money to scams, sometimes even their life savings.  Scammers will use different tactics to cheat you out of your money.  They might act friendly and helpful or threaten and scare you.  Don't fall for their tricks.  Here's what you need to know. 

Phone, Jury Duty and Warrant Scams

The Phone Call 

To sound believable, scammers will use a real employee's name or Sheriff's Department telephone number which can be found online. 

They will also use Caller ID "spoofing" to appear as though the call is coming from a Sheriff's Station, Substation, jail or court offices. 

The Scare Tactic

The caller will try to intimidate you.  They will threaten you with lawsuits, jail time or arrest if you don't pay them. 

The Hook 

These scams play on your fears.  You want to be a law abiding citizen and you surely don't want to end up in jail so in a panic you end up giving your personal information or money to defuse the situation.  

Red Flag

If you receive a phone call and someone is asking for money. That's a scam. 

• FACT:  No employee of the Sheriff's Department will ever contact you by telephone to demand money, check, gift cards or any other form of payment.  If you get this type of call, HANG UP IMMEDIATELY.
    
  
• FACT:  Outstanding warrants cannot be resolved over the phone.  Warrants can only be cleared through the court.  People with outstanding warrants are urged to turn themselves in Monday through Friday during business hours at any one of the Sheriff's Court Facilities.   
  
  
• FACT:  Confirm jury service by visiting the San Diego Superior Court's online juror portal if you know the badge number; or by calling calling  at (619) 844-2800 for recorded information available 24 hours a day. If you do not know your badge number and need to speak to a clerk, call (619) 844-2800 between 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on Monday - Thursday or 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on Fridays. 

COVID-19 Scams

With the COVID-19 Pandemic still unfolding, crooks are looking for every opportunity to steal your money, personal information, as well as gain access to your personal devices.  The best protection is to be vigilant and learn how to spot a con. 

Miracle Cures

Beware of products claiming to prevent, treat, mitigate, diagnose, cure or boost your immune system against COVID-19.   Ignore offers for vaccinations, air filter systems, home test kits to supplements that ask for your personal or financial information. 

You can't pay to get early access to the vaccine. That's a scam. 

Tech Support Scams

You're bound to run into tech problems working from home.  Make sure you're contacting your company's legitimate tech support team.  Scammers are also behind phone calls, pop-up messages and emails warning there's a problem with your computer. They will ask for remote access to your computer and try to sell you software or repair services you don't need. 

Never give remote access to your computer to someone who contacts you unexpectedly.  That's a scam. 

Charity Scams 

Thieves will prey on your goodwill and generosity to fool you into giving money to fake charities.  Beware of bogus websites and crowdsourcing platforms.  Don't click on a link in a text or email.  Doing so can download malware onto your computer and smart phone. Research before you donate. 

Don't let anyone rush you into making a donation. That's a scam. 

Unemployment Scams 

There is no fee to file for unemployment. Being asked for your Social Security number and banking information regarding a direct deposit is a red flag. Another common tactic involves a fake Department of Labor employee asserting your claim was incomplete or suspended.  If someone wants you to urgently pay them in return for a job or a prize you won and invest in a virus cure, you're likely dealing with a criminal.  

Don't provide or validate personal information for requests you didn't initiate.  That's a scam. 

Stimulus Check Scams 

There is no need for you to take any action to receive the second round of payment.  You do not need to pay money up front via gift cards or anything else to receive the stimulus cash. 

If you receive an unsolicited text or email promising a stimulus check in exchange for your personal information, do not respond.  That's a scam. 

The bottom line is to say NO if it doesn't feel right to you.  Trust your gut especially if it sounds too good to be true.