On March 1st, 2016, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office was alerted of a possible phone scam circulating in the Kern County area.
A citizen reported that her grandmother had received a call from the phone number 661-699-7576. The caller identified himself as her “oldest” grandson, at which point the lady who received the call realized it was a scam because she only has one grandson. She quickly hung up the phone.
The reporting party conducted an internet search of the phone number and learned it is a common number used in internet phone scams involving callers identifying themselves as family members, usually a grandson or granddaughter. The caller then indicates they are out of the country and have either been arrested or are in the hospital and need money wired to them. The scam appears to primarily target senior citizens.
The Kern County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind people to be wary of callers soliciting information or currency without verifying who they are speaking to. If you believe you have possibly been targeted or receive a similar type call, try to note the number of the incoming call and immediately hang up. Do not provide an unknown caller any personal information. Report any suspicious calls or possible phone scam calls to your local law enforcement agency.
