‘Warrant scam’ alert: Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office warns of callers demanding payment, in the form of Bitcoin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office again warned residents Monday of a recurring warrant scam hitting the area. 

Sergeant Jason Wall said the sheriff’s office has taken reports recently that community members have been contacted by subject(s) requesting money for not responding to a subpoena. The caller(s) demanded the money be sent in the form of Bitcoin.

They also use numerous intimidation techniques to facilitate the payments, namely keeping the unsuspecting victim on the phone while the payments are being made, Wall said

With the improvements in technology, law enforcement has recognized the subjects involved in these scams are able to utilize local Oregon phone numbers, specifically the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office main line, making the scam appear legitimate.

"Law enforcement will never contact a citizen and ask for money to clear up a warrant or any other legal matter," Wall stressed in a news release, adding, "Citizens should always be skeptical of any situation where an unfamiliar person is asking for money over the telephone."

"Unfortunately, we have had community members fall victim to this scam in the past," the sergeant said, "and we would like to prevent anyone else from falling victim in the future."

Wall urged residents to "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 from falling victim to this scam is through education."

If you have fallen prey to this or similar scams and have lost money as a result, Wall asked that you please contact Deschutes County 911 Dispatch non-emergency, at 541-693-6911.