Deschutes County Sheriff's Office

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News Release

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Warns The Public Of Active Phone Scams Impersonating Law Enforcement (Photo) - 09/14/26

 

Bend, Ore. -- The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is warning the community about an active phone scam involving individuals falsely claiming to be law enforcement officers. Since last week, DCSO has received multiple reports from local residents who were targeted by scammers impersonating Sheriff’s Office personnel.

 

On September 7, 2026, deputies received a report from a victim who was contacted by a caller identifying himself as a DCSO Lieutenant. The caller claimed the victim’s son, who had in fact been arrested the previous night, could be released early from jail if the victim paid $1,000. Believing the information to be legitimate, the victim sent the payment via Apple Pay to a phone number associated with a 208 area code. Investigators believe the scammers may be reviewing public jail rosters to create more convincing narratives.

 

On September 8, 2026, a second victim reported being contacted by someone also claiming to be a DCSO Lieutenant. The caller told her she had an active warrant for failing to appear for jury duty. The victim, who had recently been out of town, believed this was possible and followed the scammer’s instructions to drive to the Sheriff’s Office and wait in the parking lot. The scammer then attempted to convince her to send $9,000 to resolve the issue. The victim, a registered nurse, reported that the caller used official-sounding language and terminology, making the scam appear credible.

 

DCSO reminds the public of the following:

  • Law enforcement will never notify someone of an arrest warrant over the phone.
  • DCSO will never request payment, including fines, bail, or fees, by phone or through third‑party services such as Apple Pay, iTunes, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or mobile payment apps.
  • Scammers often use urgent, threatening language to pressure victims into acting quickly.
  • If you receive a call of this nature, hang up immediately and contact the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office directly to verify any claims.

Anyone who believes they may have been targeted or victimized by this scam is encouraged to contact the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at (541) 693-6911.

 

Public awareness is one of the most effective tools in preventing fraud. Please share this information with friends and family, particularly those who may be more vulnerable to phone-based scams.


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Attached Media Files: SCAMALERT.png,

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Warns The Public Of Active Phone Scams Impersonating Law Enforcement (Photo) - 09/14/26

 

Bend, Ore. -- The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is warning the community about an active phone scam involving individuals falsely claiming to be law enforcement officers. Since last week, DCSO has received multiple reports from local residents who were targeted by scammers impersonating Sheriff’s Office personnel.

 

On September 7, 2026, deputies received a report from a victim who was contacted by a caller identifying himself as a DCSO Lieutenant. The caller claimed the victim’s son, who had in fact been arrested the previous night, could be released early from jail if the victim paid $1,000. Believing the information to be legitimate, the victim sent the payment via Apple Pay to a phone number associated with a 208 area code. Investigators believe the scammers may be reviewing public jail rosters to create more convincing narratives.

 

On September 8, 2026, a second victim reported being contacted by someone also claiming to be a DCSO Lieutenant. The caller told her she had an active warrant for failing to appear for jury duty. The victim, who had recently been out of town, believed this was possible and followed the scammer’s instructions to drive to the Sheriff’s Office and wait in the parking lot. The scammer then attempted to convince her to send $9,000 to resolve the issue. The victim, a registered nurse, reported that the caller used official-sounding language and terminology, making the scam appear credible.

 

DCSO reminds the public of the following:

  • Law enforcement will never notify someone of an arrest warrant over the phone.
  • DCSO will never request payment, including fines, bail, or fees, by phone or through third‑party services such as Apple Pay, iTunes, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or mobile payment apps.
  • Scammers often use urgent, threatening language to pressure victims into acting quickly.
  • If you receive a call of this nature, hang up immediately and contact the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office directly to verify any claims.

Anyone who believes they may have been targeted or victimized by this scam is encouraged to contact the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at (541) 693-6911.

 

Public awareness is one of the most effective tools in preventing fraud. Please share this information with friends and family, particularly those who may be more vulnerable to phone-based scams.


###

 

 

Attached Media Files: SCAMALERT.png,