Beware of kidnapping scam, police warn

A kidnapping scam is targeting local people, Sergeant Herbert Stout from the Kern County Sheriff's Office told the City Council Tuesday night.

"It involves telephone calls to residents in which the caller states that they have kidnapped a family member and demands money," Stout said. "They would then tell the person they are talking to to wire them money through a green dot card or a wire transfer through a local store. After transferring the money, they would hang up on them."

Sergeant Stout recommends residents to immediately hang up on the caller, go check up on the family member, and then call law enforcement.

"Do not fall for the scam," he said. "And contact law enforcement at 661-861-3110. We just want to get the word out so people don't become victims."

--Veronica Jacuinde