Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office warns of law enforcement phone scams

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) --- The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office issued a warning today regarding active phone scams involving callers impersonating law enforcement personnel. Authorities reported multiple local residents have been targeted by scammers falsely claiming to represent the Sheriff's Office.

Investigators believe the scammers may be reviewing public jail rosters to construct credible scenarios for potential victims. Recent incidents involved fraudulent demands for money related to early jail releases and fake arrest warrants.

In one reported case on Sept. 7, 2026, a victim received a call from a person identifying himself as a Deschutes County Sheriff's Office lieutenant. The caller claimed the victim's son, who had been arrested the prior night, could be released early from jail upon payment of $1,000. Believing the claim, the victim sent the money via Apple Pay to a telephone number associated with a 208 area code.

On Sept. 8, 2026, a second victim was contacted by a caller also posing as a lieutenant with the Sheriff's Office. The caller informed the victim, a registered nurse who had recently been out of town, that she had an active warrant for failing to appear for jury duty. Following instructions from the caller, the victim drove to the Sheriff's Office and waited in the parking lot while the scammer attempted to convince her to transfer $9,000 to resolve the matter.

The Sheriff's Office emphasized that law enforcement agencies will never notify individuals of arrest warrants by phone. Additionally, the department stated it does not request payment for bail, fines or fees over the phone or through third-party platforms such as Apple Pay, iTunes, cryptocurrency, gift cards or mobile payment apps. Scammers frequently rely on urgent or intimidating language to pressure individuals into making immediate transfers.

Deputies advise anyone who receives a suspicious call to hang up immediately and verify the claim directly with law enforcement. Victims or individuals targeted by the scam are encouraged to contact the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at (541) 693-6911.