Deschutes SO warns of ‘arrest warrant’ scam

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents to beware of callers claiming to be with the agency and warning they must pay to clear an arrest warrant for missing jury duty.

The sheriff’s office received several reports Tuesday from residents claiming a man called, saying he worked for the agency and actually using the names of various sheriff’s office employees, said Sgt. Aaron Harding.

The man told them they missed jury duty and a warrant had been issued for their arrests. He then asked them to send him money to clear the warrant – or they’d be arrested.

Harding said they want the public to know it’s a scam, and they should never send someone money without verifying the identity of those seeking it.

It’s not common practice for the sheriff’s office to tell a citizen they have a warrant over the phone, he said. In most cases, someone with a warrant outstanding will be contacted in person, by a deputy with proper credentials.

Anyone receiving phone calls similar to this in nature is asked to call the sheriff’s office to report it at 541-693-6911.