Sheriff Suspects Ballistic Vest Scam

The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office is looking into reports of a possible scam involving callers trying to raise money to buy new ballistic vests for deputies.

The office has recently received complaints from citizens regarding rude and aggressive calls from subjects who advise they are raising money to purchase new bullet proof vests for deputies in Fresno County.

Sheriff Margaret Mims would like to make the public aware that the Sheriff’s Office does not do fundraising, other than the Sheriff’s Foundation for Public Safety that mostly provides safety programs for the youth of our community and volunteer programs.

Calls from persons claiming to be involved in a fundraiser for bullet proof vests should be considered fraudulent. Ballistic vests are required by law and the Sheriff’s Office provides these vests for all deputy sheriffs and stab resistant vests for all correctional officers.

Should you receive this type of call, do not send money. Please try to get a call back number so the call can be investigated and the criminal arrested.

Anyone with information is asked to please contact the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office at 488-3111.