DCSO ‘arrest warrant’ scam calls on the rise again

Faced with a surge of reports in recent days, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office late Wednesday renewed its warning to Central Oregonians about a “warrant scam” hitting the area, in hopes of sparing potential victims a costly mistake.

“We have received several calls over the past week from community members who have been contacted by a subject who identifies himself as ‘Detective Garcia with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office’ and asks for money to clear up a warrant issued after missing jury duty or court,” Sgt. William Bailey said late Wednesday.

Bailey said the sheriff’s office is working on identifying the subject or subjects involved in the scam. Asked if they were targeting seniors or any specific group, Bailey said there was “no pattern that we can tell” so far.

“Law enforcement will never contact a citizen and ask for money to clear up a warrant or any other legal matter,” he noted.

If a citizen does have an outstanding warrant, Bailey said, a member of a law enforcement agency will likely contact you in person and have the proper credentials to identify themselves.

Citizens should always be skeptical of any situation where an unfamiliar person is asking for money over the telephone, Bailey said.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office also asked community members to share this scam information with others.

“Unfortunately, we have had community members fall victim to this scam in the past, and we would like to prevent anyone else from falling victim in the future,” Bailey said in a news release. “Consider talking with a neighbor, calling a friend or family member and/or sharing this information on social media. The best way to prevent someone falling victim to this scam is through education.”

We would also ask if you have recently received a similar scam phone call and haven’t already shared that information with the sheriff’s office, you’re asked to please call non-emergency dispatch at 541–693–6911 and ask to speak to a deputy.