Full Notification

Phone Scam - False Kidnapping/ Extortion

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department would like to warn the public of a new phone scam that has occurred. Over the last week, several victims in various cities in the County of San Bernardino have received phone calls from unknown suspect(s), claiming their child/children had been abducted. The suspect(s) has threatened to harm or kill the child/children if the victim did not cooperate with their demands. The suspect(s) have personal knowledge of the intended victim(s), including their children's names. The suspect(s) claims they are monitoring police scanners and would know if law enforcement was notified. During a couple of the scam calls, the suspect(s) used a child as a decoy, having the child cry and beg for help over the phone. The suspect(s) directed the victims to remain on the phone, proceed directly to a bank and withdraw funds. The suspect(s) instructed the victims to go to a money transfer location and wire the money to them. The suspect(s) kept the victim on the telephone during the entire transaction.

There have been no verified kidnappings to date. If you receive a similar call, immediately call 911 or Sheriff's Dispatch at (909) 387-8313 or (760) 956-5001 and, verify the whereabouts of your child/children. If you have information regarding the suspects involved in this activity, please contact Sheriff’s Dispatch.





Refer: Public Affairs Division
Phone No.: 909-387-3700


JOHN MCMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT