Deschutes SO warns of scam callers seeking money

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office warned the public Monday about a scam in which callers claiming to be with the agency tell people they must pay for an alleged “Class C violation” or face arrest.

The sheriff’s office began receiving reports Monday of the latest scam by callers who direct the potential victim to call another phone number to arrange payment on the violation and avoid a warrant being issued for their arrest, said Lt. Chad Davis.

So far, Davis said, no citizens have reported following through with a payment to the scammers.

Davis said it’s similar to earlier scams, like one earlier this year threatening people with jail if they didn’t pay for supposedly missing jury duty, “but with a new twist.”

The sheriff’s office reminded the public they should never send someone money without first verifying the information they were provided.

“It is not common practice for the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office to advise a citizen they have a warrant over the phone, nor to take payment on any fines or fees over the phone, Davis wrote in a news release.

“In most cases, a citizen with a warrant will be contacted in person, and the deputy will have proper credentials when serving the warrant,” he added.

As the sheriff’s office investigates the scam, anyone receiving similar phone calls is asked to report it to the agency at 541-693-6911.