Scammers Impersonating Douglas County Deputies Use Fear and Fake Fines to Target Residents
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. — The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) has warned residents about an old scam in which callers pretend to be law enforcement officers, using the names of real officers, that continues to plague the community.
Douglas County Law Enforcement Scammers Are Active Again
Douglas County residents have again been receiving fraudulent calls from callers using the names of real DCSO personnel to create a sense of legitimacy, claiming there is some law enforcement matter that needs attention.
The scammer pressures victims to pay the fine through gift cards or cash apps using tactics intended to create a sense of necessary immediate action.
DSCO warned about this scam several times over the past several years. Yet, the scammers continue to exploit fear and urgency.
The DCSO reminded the public that legitimate law enforcement will never demand payment for fines via cash apps, gift cards, or any other unconventional methods and will not call residents advising them that a warrant has been issued for their arrest.
See also: Scammers Trick Jackson County Residents To Collect Papers From Fake “Sheriff Aaron Grissom”
Undersheriff Brad O’Dell confirmed that retailers and cashiers can play in preventing these scams by posting signs at checkout stands and educating cashiers to recognize warning signs.
He said, “We want to remind residents that this tactic is fraudulent and ask that they share this warning with elderly friends and family members.”
DCSO cautioned residents to be wary when receiving unsolicited calls demanding immediate payment for any alleged fines, especially those related to jury duty.
If you suspect a caller is scamming you, don’t engage with them – hang up and report the incident to law enforcement.
To report a scam attempt, call the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office at (541) 440-4471.