Local law enforcement warns public of telephone arrest scam
By Joe Hathaway on Friday, December 1st, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
NORTHEAST OREGON — The holiday season is about celebrations, traditions, family, love…and a rise in scams. This time a year sees a dramatic spike in scam attempts and the Oregon State Police, Union County Sheriff’s Office and the La Grande Police Department want to warn residents about a new one making the rounds.
All three agencies say they have received several calls from concerned community members about scam calls relating to arrest warrants. The scammers are reportedly impersonating officers, deputies and troopers and making threats of arrest if some form of compensation (payment) is not made immediately.
Officials say it is important to note that no law enforcement agency in Oregon will ever request payment in person or over the phone in order to resolve an arrest warrant. These scammers utilize fear and bully tactics to coerce vulnerable individuals into giving them money.
To protect yourself from falling victim to these scams, here’s a few tips:
- Verify the caller’s identity by asking for their name, badge number, and a call-back number.
- Contact the local law enforcement agency or OSP directly to confirm the validity of any warrant-related claims.
- Refrain from sharing personal information, such as Social Security numbers or financial details, over the phone.
- Report any suspicious calls to the OSP or the Oregon Department of Justice.
