Edhat Staff
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about reports they have received regarding a phone scam.
The scammers are posing as a member of the Sheriff’s Office, specifically “Lieutenant Alawadi,” and stating there is a warrant out for their arrest due to an outstanding Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan.
“The Sheriff’s Office will NOT call you to require payment of fine over the phone to avoid arrest. If you receive one of these calls, please DO NOT pay these scammers,” the Sheriff’s Office warns.
Although, if someone did fall pray to the scam and send money, they are encouraged to report it online at IC3.gov.
