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Santa Barbara, Calif. – The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is warning community members about an increase in fraudulent phone calls where scammers pose as officials and attempt to pressure victims into paying money.
In these scams, callers claim you owe fines, missed tolls, or face arrest unless you make an immediate payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or electronic apps. These calls can sound convincing, but they are fraudulent. The Sheriff’s Office will never demand payment over the phone, request gift cards, or threaten arrest for unpaid fines.