Due to a recent phone scam in which callers pretend to be police officers, the Carson City Sheriff’s Office is warning residents not to give out personal information, especially financial information, over the phone.

“The callers demand payment so they don’t arrest the person or seek a warrant,” CCSO said in a news release. “The callers often demand payment in the form of gift cards or ask for credit/debit card information.”

Reputable CCSO officers would not contact anyone over the phone demanding payment in lieu of an arrest, nor would they solicit payments for warrants or missed jury duty over the phone, the press release said.

“If there is any doubt as to the legitimacy of a phone call from a Carson City Sheriff’s Office employee, contact the Sheriff’s Office at 775-887-2500,” the press release states.

CCSO urged the public to “remain alert to fraudulent phone calls.”

“Scammers are evolving their tactics and different scenarios are frequently reported. If a suspicious call comes in, people should hang up and not give out any personal information,” the press release said. “If someone has been a victim of a crime, they are encouraged to call 911 or Carson City Dispatch at the non-emergency number 775-887-2677.”