TO: Campus Community
FR: Nader Oweis, Chief of Police
Dear Campus Community,
SCAM ADVISORY - We have received emails from staff and faculty reporting a scam telephone call from someone impersonating a Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department Employee. The caller requests a phone call back in regards to a “civil matter” that must be handled immediately. Additionally, the caller “spoofed” the legitimate Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department phone number to gain the employees trust.
The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department is aware of these calls. They do not call community members seeking payment for outstanding traffic citations, fees, warrants or civil matters.
Scammers can disguise their phone numbers to appear to be from local law enforcement on your caller ID. If you receive a suspicious phone call from someone claiming to be in law enforcement, please contact your local law enforcement agency to confirm the information you are given. Never provide your bank account, credit card or personal information to anyone on the phone when you receive these types of calls.
If you have received a call and are a victim of these scammers with financial loss, you are encouraged to file a report by calling the Sonoma State Police Department Non-Emergency line at (707) 664-4444.