Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Reports Two Phone Scams

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public of two phone scams.

You may have received a phone call from a “Lieutenant McDonald.” In the scam, he claims there is a warrant out for your arrest and demands the victim to pay the fine by obtaining a green dot card from Safeway or Walgreens, and pay the warrant fine over the phone. In another tactic used the caller claims to be from law enforcement saying your loved one is in jail and needs help to post bail by purchasing prepaid gift cards. These are both scams. The Sheriff’s Office does not ever ask citizens to pay a fine over the phone, and will never call for bail money or ask to pay with prepaid cards or gift cards. If you have received any call like this, call the Sheriff’s Office.