Warrant for your Arrest Scam

The suspects in this scam call you, identify themselves as law enforcement officers and then direct you to pay a bail or fine to prevent arrest. The reasons for the warrant vary and most recently have been because you supposedly did not report for jury duty. They most often “spoof” the caller ID number to show the number or name of a local law enforcement agency. As with the other scams the suspects instruct you to obtain a prepaid credit card and give them the card number from the front of the card and the code from the back of the card.

Facts related to this scam:

• The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will never demand payment for a warrant over the telephone.
• Payments related to warrants are handled through the Court that issued the warrant.
• You will never be restricted to one form of payment.
• If you provide the numbers for the prepaid credit card then the person can access the funds anywhere in the world.

What you can do to combat this scam:

• Don’t call them back or hang up if you are talking to them
• Call the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at 714-647-7000 or 949-770-6011 to determine if an OCSD employee is actually calling you and to file a report
• Contact the Court Directly to inquire about bail or fine payment. The link http://www.occourts.org/locations contains court locations and contact information in Orange County.

MISSION VIEJO, Ca. (Jan. 7, 2020) – Distracted driving is a dangerous and illegal behavior the Sheriff’s Department is working to deter drivers from doing. On Thursday, January 9, deputies will focus their efforts on drivers that are talking, texting, using an app or any other action on their phone that is not hands-free and violates California’s cell phone law. A violation is subject to a $162 fine for the first offense, and at least $285 for a second offense.

View PDF

SANTA ANA, Ca. (December 30, 2019) – The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will open its first-ever housing unit for select inmates verified as U.S. veterans, which is expected to support successful transition post-release.

View PDF

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, Ca. (December 19, 2019) – The Orange County Sheriff’s Department encourages everyone attending holiday parties and gatherings where alcohol may be involved to use a designated sober driver.

View PDF

SANTA ANA, Ca. (Dec. 17, 2019) – Today, the United States Department of Justice notified Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes that they are closing the 11-year investigation into Orange County Jails. The investigation began in December 2008 following the death of inmate John Chamberlain in October 2006. Please see the statement below from Sheriff Barnes.

View PDF

LAGUNA HILLS, Ca. (Dec. 16, 2019) – Distracted driving is a dangerous and illegal behavior the Sheriff’s Department is working to deter drivers from doing

View PDF

MISSION VIEJO, Ca. (Dec. 13, 2019) – Distracted driving is a dangerous and illegal behavior the Sheriff’s Department is working to deter drivers from doing.

View PDF

YORBA LINDA, Ca. (Dec. 13, 2019) – Distracted driving is a dangerous and illegal behavior the Sheriff’s Department is working to deter drivers from doing.

View PDF

Black Friday and Cyber Monday means great deals, but it also means packages arriving at your door and thieves lurking for the perfect opportunity. With the majority of deliveries left on doorsteps and not requiring a signature for release, package theft is expected to be on the rise this holiday season.

In some instances, thieves will follow or watch for the UPS, Fed Ex or other delivery trucks and then target a home after a delivery is made.
Here are some tips you can follow to keep your presents safe from porch pirates:
• Install a security camera on your porch, put thieves on the defense by recording their every move
• Use your workplace as the shipping address
• Track your shipments by phone, on-line, or by carrier app so you know what day they should arrive
• Ask your neighbor to watch for your delivery and then hold the items until you arrive home
• Keep an eye on your neighborhood and report suspicious persons and vehicles sitting or cruising the area – See Something, Say Something!
• Request a signature delivery option, if available
• Have the shipment be held at the shipping facility such as a UPS office or an Amazon Pick Up Point
• Utilize a "mailbox" businesses in your town and see if they will accept shipment of your item for a fee
• If you do not receive your shipment on time, check with the company of origin and confirm the delivery. If the item was delivered and you did not receive it, then report the theft or loss to the original company, the shipping company, and your local police.

Remember, if you see something suspicious, say something!

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Ca. (Dec. 3, 2019) – Distracted driving is a dangerous and illegal behavior the Sheriff’s Department is working to deter drivers from doing. On Thursday, Dec. 5, deputies will focus their efforts on drivers that are talking, texting, using an app or any other action on their phone that is not hands-free and violates California’s cell phone law. A violation is subject to a $162 fine for the first offense, and at least $285 for a second offense.

View PDF