DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. -- The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office warns, HANG UP! IT IS A SCAM!
Deputies said the sheriff’s office was made aware of two more scam victims Thursday. It is issuing another notice following a rise in scam calls in Douglas County.
According to the sheriff’s office, scammers are playing into your fears. Deputies said they tell potential victims there is an outstanding warrant for an unpaid debt, missed jury duty or some minor infraction and a fine is due. The caller will then demand payment via debit/credit card, Western Union, or instructs victims to obtain a prepaid card to cover the payment.
Deputies said the scammers are providing legitimate names and information of law enforcement employees and may even reference a local area judge by name. They also use Caller ID "spoofing," which makes it appear as though the call is coming from a local law enforcement agency or court offices.
According to the sheriff’s office, no law enforcement agency will call you at home to notify you of an arrest. If you truly have a warrant for your arrest, a law enforcement officer will make efforts to contact you in person. They also said legitimate warrants can only be cleared through the court system.
No employee of the sheriff's office will ever contact members of the public by telephone to demand money or any other form of payment. If you get this type of call, HANG UP IMMEDIATELY.
