OSP issues warning of ‘OSP’ phone scam

During the past week, the Oregon State Police has received complaints from citizens regarding telephone calls from individuals claiming to be OSP troopers demanding money in exchange for dropping criminal charges or clearing arrest warrants against the people they call.

In two similar cases reported to OSP thus far, male callers with foreign accents called citizens in Oregon.

In both cases, the call was identified through caller ID as originating from 911 and callers identified themselves as members of the Oregon State Police, using titles of “Officer” or “Deputy.”

The callers provided call back numbers of 410-387-7748 or 215-302-3662 and instructed the intended victim to call within a certain period of time and arrange monetary payment to clear an arrest warrant or to cancel a pending court appearance.

This scam is not an activity undertaken by the OSP or any other legitimate law enforcement agency or officer. The OSP does not call individuals and demand money from citizens under any circumstances.

The calls reported to OSP during the past week are consistent with other scams of the same nature that have been reported across the United States., the agency said

Intended victims of this scam are encouraged to disconnect the call without providing any information and contact their local Police Department, Sheriff’s Office or the OSP.

Intended victims are also encouraged to file a complaint with the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection Office via the Consumer Hotline at 1-877-877-9392 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or complete an online Consumer Complaint Form any time at:

http://www.doj.state.or.us/consumer/Pages/complaint.aspx .