Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Warns Of Law Enforcement Impersonation Scam - 10/27/26
Gresham resident loses $40,000 to scammers posing as Sheriff’s Office lieutenant
Multnomah County, Ore – The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) is warning community members about a phone scam in which criminals impersonate members of law enforcement to pressure victims into sending money. The warning follows a recent incident in which a Multnomah County resident reported losing $40,000 to scammers posing as a MCSO lieutenant.
On September 23, Tarisa Whitney reported her 79-year-old dad, Steven, missing after receiving a concerning phone call from him and then losing contact.
During the conversation, her father indicated he was working with the sheriff’s office but could not discuss what he was doing. His daughter suspected he was being scammed.
“He told me I can’t answer your texts or emails right now. I’ll call you later. I thought this isn’t right. Something’s not right,” Tarisa recalls.
When he eventually returned home, a responding deputy intercepted him on the phone with a suspected scammer who immediately hung up. In an earlier voicemail, left on the victim’s phone, the caller identified themself as “Lieutenant White” with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. Steven was told he had missed jury duty and needed to pay a fine to avoid being arrested.
The victim made two separate $20,000 withdrawals from his bank and deposited the cash into a bitcoin machine at a convenience store in Southeast Portland.
“I just thought I had a pay it,” Steven later told his daughter.
Scammers often impersonate law enforcement to create a sense of urgency. They may also instruct victims not to discuss the situation with family members or others.
“They want people to panic and act before they know what has happened,” explained Detective Tamari Johnson, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.
MCSO reminds community members that legitimate members of law enforcement will never demand payment over the phone to resolve a warrant, avoid arrest, or settle a criminal matter.
"Please report these crimes to law enforcement. We know these cases can be challenging to investigate, but if a scammer can be identified - we will prosecute," said Nathan Vasquez, Multnomah County District Attorney.
What to do if you receive a suspicious call.
Hang up. Do not provide personal information, financial details or payment.
Verify the caller independently. Contact the law enforcement agency directly using a phone number obtained from its official website. Do not use a callback number provided by the caller.
Never send money to someone claiming to be law enforcement. Do not withdraw cash or make payments through cryptocurrency kiosks, gift cards or wire transfers at a caller’s direction.
Talk to someone you trust. Scammers rely on fear and secrecy. Speaking with a family member or trusted friend can help identify suspicious activity.
Report the scam. If you believe you have been targeted, contact your local law enforcement agency. If you have already sent money, immediately notify you bank or financial institution.
The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office encourages community members to share this warning, particularly with older adults and others who may be targeted by impersonation scams.
*Below are interview sound bites with Tarisa Whitney and her father Steven. Along with the scam voicemail and b-roll of Tarisa and Steven at the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.
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