Scammers posing as law enforcement is nothing new, but recently some of these scammers have added a new layer with fraudulent orders of arrest.

The scammers have been taking to the phones calling people and requesting money so the person can avoid arrest. The callers claim they are with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department. Recently the calls have been accompanied by mail that appears to be an official order of arrest.

The callers state a payment is needed if the person wants to avoid being arrested.

The sheriff’s department wants to remind people that no law enforcement or government agency asks for payment in any form to avoid an arrest.

The department also is reminding people to never hare personal or financial information over the phone with someone who is not known.

Additionally, if the caller’s identity cannot be verified or the call makes a person feel unsafe or suspect criminal activity, call the local non-emergency dispatch lines. For Turlock residents that number is (209) 668-1200 and for the sheriff’s department that number is (209) 552-2468.