Marin County Alert: Scammers Posing as Police Extort Money

The Marin County Sheriff’s Office just put out a warning about a phone scam that’s been making the rounds. Callers are pretending to be a police sergeant and trying to force people to pay up.

They’re reportedly using the name “Sergeant Sean McKrell,” leaving threatening voicemails, and telling folks to call back a specific number. It’s unsettling, honestly.

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The Sheriff’s Office wants everyone to know—real deputies won’t randomly call to announce warrants or demand bail. They definitely won’t ask for payments by gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or anything like that.

People all over Marin—San Rafael, Sausalito, Novato, Mill Valley, Tiburon, Larkspur, Corte Madera, San Anselmo, Fairfax, Ross, Belvedere—have felt the effects. If you get a suspicious call, just hang up and report it to the Marin County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 415-479-2311.

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What to know about the Marin County phone scam

Scammers in Marin County (and honestly, probably beyond) are pretending to be a sheriff’s sergeant. They pressure people to pay up, fast.

They’ll often leave voicemails that threaten arrest, talk about warrants, or say you’ll face legal trouble unless you pay right away. Towns like San Rafael, Mill Valley, Sausalito, and Novato have seen a bunch of these reports.

Officials are warning everyone again. Deputies won’t ever call to demand bail, reveal warrants, or ask for payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.

If you’re in San Anselmo or Corte Madera, double-check before reacting. These calls are designed to freak you out and make you skip logical steps.

In Fairfax, Ross, or Belvedere? Treat any unexpected call demanding payment as a likely scam. Take a breath before you do anything.

How to respond if you receive a suspicious call

If you get one of these calls in Tiburon, Sausalito, or anywhere else in Marin, don’t panic. Don’t share personal info or payment details.

Don’t call back the number they give you. Hang up, and if you’re unsure, check with official sources.

Here’s what you can do:

Don’t give out personal information, Social Security numbers, birth dates, or financial details to the caller.
Don’t make payments or buy gift cards, wire money, or send cryptocurrency because a caller threatened you.
Hang up and call the Marin County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 415-479-2311 to check if there’s any real warrant or issue with your name.
If you’ve already shared info or paid, contact the Sheriff’s Office right away to report it and get advice on what to do next.
If the situation feels dangerous or gets out of hand, call 911 immediately.
Save any voicemails, caller IDs, or numbers the scammer used—those can help investigators in San Rafael, Novato, or Mill Valley.

Community-specific notes: staying safe in Marin’s towns

The Marin County Sheriff’s Office keeps reminding folks from Sausalito to San Rafael—and from Larkspur to Corte Madera—that law enforcement here never calls to demand bail or announce warrants. In Ross and San Anselmo, where everyone seems to know everyone, spreading the word feels vital to stop others from getting duped.

Fairfax and Belvedere, same goes for you. In Tiburon and Mill Valley, people should share these warnings with neighbors, family, and especially older residents who might get targeted most.

A little vigilance really matters in Marin County. People here rely on trusted channels to sort out law enforcement concerns—not some weird voicemail or sketchy text scam.

If you ever feel unsure about a call claiming it’s from the sheriff’s office, just play it safe. Hang up, call 415-479-2311 to check, and report anything suspicious.

By keeping Marin’s towns—San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, Sausalito, Tiburon, Larkspur, Corte Madera, San Anselmo, Fairfax, Ross, Belvedere, and all the rest—in the loop, locals can help shut down scammers fast and look out for each other. That’s just how Marin works.

Here is the source article for this story: Scammers Pretend To Be Police To Extort Money In Marin County, Sheriff’s Office Warns

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Joe Harris is the founder of MarinCountyVisitor.com, a comprehensive online resource inspired by his passion for Marin County's natural beauty, diverse communities, and rich cultural offerings. Combining his love for exploration with his intimate local knowledge, Joe curates an authentic guide to the area featuring guides on Marin County Cities, Things to Do, and Places to Stay. Follow Joe on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.