Jackson County Warns Residents as Scammers Use AI Videos and Fake Deputies to Target Families

JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. — Two new scams targeting vulnerable people in the community have been identified by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO).

Scam #1: Runaway Child Hoax

Over 100 similar ransom scams have been tracked by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) since 2020. After taking information from a social media post about a missing juvenile, scammers sent the family a video that could only be viewed once—likely AI-generated—showing the child restrained in a chair, demanding $1,500 or they would harm their family member.

The call originated from a Canadian phone number. The family confirmed the juvenile was safe. This is the second local scam of this kind in less than a month.

NCMEC strongly advises families to allow authorities to create and distribute missing child posters and warns against including personal phone numbers or emails on self-made posters.

Scam #2: Jail Release Fraud

Scammers impersonating a JCSO deputy called a family of a newly arrested AIC using accurate details about the jailed individual, asking for $1,500 for bail plus $500 for an ankle monitor to secure the AIC’s release to a drug treatment program.

The caller claimed to be a Jackson County Jail pretrial release coordinator and asked that the money be sent to a kiosk at Walmart.

Scam information to share, especially with those who may be vulnerable:

• Law enforcement NEVER calls to collect money. And do NOT request payment by phone.
• Law enforcement never requests payment via gift cards, Bitcoin, or kiosks.
• If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and call Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon (ECSO) at 911 for non-emergency dispatch at **541-776-7206**.