The Sheriff’s Department is warning the public about a new phone scam regarding false kidnappings. Several victims in the county have received phone calls from unknown suspects, claiming their child had been abducted, and that the child would be harmed or killed if the victims did not cooperate with their demands. The suspects have personal knowledge of the intended victims, including the names of the victims’ children. The suspects claim they are monitoring police scanners and would know if law enforcement was notified. During a couple of the scam calls, the suspects used another child as a decoy, having the child cry and beg for help over the phone. The suspects directed the victims to remain on the phone, proceed directly to a bank, withdraw funds, and wire the money to them. The suspects kept the victim on the telephone during the entire transaction. The Sheriff’s Department said there have been no verified kidnappings to date. If you have received a similar call, call the Sheriff’s Department at 760-366-4175.
Recently, numerous residents in Twentynine Palms and Yucca Valley have had their vehicles stolen. Additionally, several vehicles have been broken into and had contents removed. The Sheriff’s Department offers the following tips to help deter vehicle thefts:
• Double-check that all vehicle doors are locked.
• Do not leave valuable items inside your vehicle in plain sight.
• Park in well-lighted areas whenever possible.
• Install and set alarms, ignition immobilizers, and anti-theft devices.
• Immediately report suspicious persons or activity to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department at 760-366-4175.
