The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is reminding the public to be vigilant about a phone scam impersonating our deputies and sergeants. Recently, we’ve learned of a person losing $1,000 to scammers.
Scam call tactics that have been reported to MCSO:
- Scammers are using the names of actual MCSO employees.
- Scammers will falsify caller ID to make it look like MCSO is calling.
- Scammers will prove a fake badge number or case number.
- Scammer claims the person has a warrant, unpaid court fines, or has missed jury duty and must pay a fine with a gift card, cash app or cryptocurrency or be arrested.
- Scammer will demand a person stay on the phone with them until a transaction occurs.
- Scammers will not allow a person to contact family or friends for advice.
- Scammers may have personal information like a home address.
- Scammers may provide a call back number with a falsified phone tree.
- Once the scammer receives payment, they may tell the person they can come to an MCSO office for reimbursement.
We want to remind the public that we NEVER conduct matters concerning warrant service, missed jury duty, missed court dates or payment of fines over the phone. We urge you to be aware of these ongoing and evolving scams.
- If you are called by a person claiming to be a member of the Sheriff’s Office and they are requesting payment in any capacity, DO NOT SEND MONEY or engage with these individuals. They do not represent the Sheriff’s Office.
- If you have been a victim of this scam, please file a police report by calling 503-823-3333 and select the option for non-emergency police reporting in the jurisdiction that reflects your residence.
Source: Multnomah County Sheriff's Office