Sheriff's office warns of warrant scam

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is warning citizens of a recurring warrant scam hitting the area.

The DCSO said it had taken numerous reports from a community member who was contacted by a subject who identified themselves as a member of Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and asked for money to clear up a warrant issued after missing jury duty. The citizen was also told they could clear up the warrant by paying the bail with prepaid gift cards.

Law enforcement has recognized the subjects involved in these scams are able to utilize local Oregon phone numbers, making the scam appear more legitimate.

The Sheriff’s Office states that law enforcement will never contact a citizen and ask for money to clear up a warrant or any other legal matter. If a citizen has a warrant, 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.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office asks 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,” said DCSO spokesman Sgt. Jason Wall. Consider talking with a neighbor, calling a friend or family member, and/or sharing this information on social media.

If you have fallen prey to this or similar scams and have lost money contact Deschutes County nonemergency dispatch at 541-693-6911.