MERCED COUNTY — The Merced County Sheriff’s Office is alerting residents to a recent wave of scam calls from individuals falsely claiming to be sheriff’s staff.

According to the department, callers are posing as a Sheriff’s lieutenant and telling residents they missed jury duty and must pay a fine immediately or face arrest. Deputies say the calls are fraudulent, and the Sheriff’s Office will never demand payment over the phone or threaten arrest in this manner.

Officials warn that scammers often spoof phone numbers to appear legitimate and use high‑pressure tactics to get victims to act quickly.

Anyone who receives a suspicious call is urged to hang up and report it to the Merced County Sheriff’s Office at 209‑385‑7445.