Online, Phone Scammers Target C. Oregonians
Bend police warned Central Oregonians on Tuesday to be on the lookout for Internet and phone scams, as several have been reported over the past few weeks — and one hit a resident to the tune of several thousands of dollars.
One person was scammed on a Christian dating website, said Lt. Brian Kindel. The online dater sent $12,000 to other person, over a period of time. The scammer claimed to need help with car payments and plane rides to meet the other person.
Three older couples were recently contacted by phone scammers. A person called and elderly person, pretending to be their grandchild, arrested in another country. The scammer asked for money to be bailed out, usually around $4,000. The money is asked to be sent via Western Union.
Kindel tells NewsChannel 21 that many of the scammers try to play on the call recipients’ emotions, until the scammed person finally gives in.
“It’s national, not just here,” Kindel said. “We’ve had thousands of dollars sent for this exact scam — I’m talking about, ‘Your granddaughter or grandson, in jail here, send money.’ They’re preying upon the older people.”
Police say the best way to stay safe is by not sending any money, or giving out any personal information. Kindel added that If something sounds too good to be true, it most likely is, and to call police right away.
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Here’s the Bend PD “Scam Alert” issued Tuesday by Kindel:
Recently, the Bend Police Department has seen an elevated number of complaints of a telephone scam and would like the Public to be aware of this for their protection. This is not a new scam and has been used elsewhere in the past, including Bend.
Unknown suspects are placing calls to elderly residents, claiming to be a grandchild. The caller states to be in custody in another country and needs ?bail? money, usually around $4,000.00. This money is asked to be sent via Western Union. Pressure is exerted to make this occur quickly for the welfare of the alleged grandchild.
These callers are playing on the emotions of caring grandparents and have been successful in obtaining funds on occasion.
The Bend Police Department would like to provide the information that this type of call is a scam and is intended to separate you from your money. If a call of this type is received, please know it is not from a reputable government agency and information should not be shared nor should money in any amount be sent.
Information on telephone scams and internet scams can be located on line by searching for ?internet scams? or ?telephone scams?. Additional information can be obtained through the Federal Trade Commission website, the Oregon Department of Justice website and also the FBI website.
If you have been a victim of a telephone scam, please contact your local law enforcement agency to report this. Internet scams can be reported on line at ?IC3.gov?.
