Phone scam alert

The Kern County Sheriff’s Office would like to warn the public about a phone scam targeting individuals in Kern County.

At this time, we are receiving reports that residents are receiving phone calls from someone claiming to be Sarah Kimbriel from the Crime Analysis Unit and is asking for payment or for personal information. The caller is using the Sheriff’s Office main phone number, (661) 391-7500, as a call back. The caller is asking for electronic payment.

This is a scam. Kern County Sheriff’s Office will not ask for payment.

We still receive reports of residents receiving phone calls about warrants for their arrest, missing jury duty or details regarding a case.

Kern County Sheriff’s Office does not ask for money, personal information, banking or payment information over the phone or accept payment for fees, tickets or fines.

When you take a phone call you suspect to be a scam; you can ask the caller for their name, employee identification number, callback number and a reference number for the matter they are calling about. This information can be used to contact the organization directly to determine the validity of the request.

If you receive suspicious telephone calls that you believe to be a scam, you are urged to contact the Kern County Sheriff’s Office at (661) 861-3110, or your local law enforcement agency to report the incident.