MOORPARK : Residents Warned of Rodeo Phone Fraud

Ventura County sheriff’s deputies in Moorpark are urging residents to beware of a phone fraud scheme in which solicitors claim to be raising money for a rodeo sponsored by the Moorpark Police Department.

Sheriff’s Lt. Geoff Dean said no such rodeo exists. Although the Ventura County Deputy Sheriff’s Assn. does sponsor an annual rodeo to raise money for charity, that group is not conducting telephone solicitations now.

At least half a dozen Moorpark residents have reported receiving calls and several individuals donated $10 to $100, Dean said. In most of the cases, the solicitors called during the day, then arranged to have someone pick up the donation in the evening.

Anyone receiving such a call should call deputies at 494-8258.