MULTNOMAH COUNTY, OR (March 20, 20230 - The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is asking for the public’s continued vigilance about a phone scam impersonating our members. A number of concerned individuals have alerted us to phone scams over the past month. In one instance, a person reported losing $1,500.
Most recently, the scam calls are from someone posing as a Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office lieutenant or sergeant. It’s been reported that the scammer claims the recipient has missed a grand jury summons and must pay a fine or they will be arrested. New tactics reported to us include, scammers using fake badge numbers and case numbers to try to legitimize their claims.
Often, a method of the scammers is to keep the person on the phone during the entire process and tell the person they are not allowed to contact family or friends for advice. Once the scammer receives payment, they will then 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.
What to do if you are contacted:
• 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.
Link to video of a voicemail a scammer left a victim and a message from a deputy the scammers often pose as.
Information from the Oregon Department of Justice
