MENDOCINO CO., 3/24/26 — The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a phone scam in which callers impersonate Sheriff’s Office deputies and demand money to secure the release of jailed individuals.
The scam came to light March 17 when a member of the public visited the Mendocino County Jail seeking information about whether a family member could be released if the family paid for an ankle-monitoring device, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
The individual told jail staff they had received a call from someone claiming to be “Deputy Green” with the Sheriff’s Office. The caller said the family member had been arrested for driving under the influence and could be released if the caller paid $3,200 for an ankle monitor, with future court appearances conducted online.
The caller reportedly used the phone number (580) 949-1900.
The individual became suspicious, ended the call without making a payment and reported the situation to authorities.
Investigators later confirmed the family member was in custody at the jail, but for an unrelated charge and not for DUI, officials said. Authorities believe the scammer may have used publicly available information from the sheriff’s online booking log to make the call appear legitimate.
The Sheriff’s Office said it does not have an employee named “Deputy Green” and does not request payment by phone for inmate release or related services.
Officials are urging anyone who receives similar calls not to send money or share personal information and to report the incident to local law enforcement.