SUBJECT: PHONE SCAM
Clatsop County Sheriff's Office Issues Warning on Recent Phone Scams
April 26, 2024 – Our Office is alerting residents to a surge in phone scams targeting individuals in our community. We have reports of individuals at the bank trying to withdraw thousands of dollars to pay for “fines” to avoid warrants and jail time. This is simply not the way we conduct business as a law enforcement agency. These scams are designed to deceive victims by posing as legitimate entities and using convincing tactics to extract personal information or money.
Scammers employ various strategies to make their scams appear authentic, including spoofing phone numbers to mimic official organizations, using urgency or fear tactics, and providing false promises of prizes or rewards.
Common tactics used by scammers to convince victims include:
- Threats and Urgency: Scammers may create a sense of urgency by threatening legal action, arrest, or immediate consequences if the victim does not comply.
- Spoofing and Impersonation: They often spoof legitimate phone numbers or impersonate trusted organizations, making their calls seem genuine.
- False Promises: Scammers may lure victims with false promises of prizes, rewards, or services, leading them to share personal information or make financial transactions.
To avoid falling victim to phone scams, the Sheriff's Office recommends the following precautions:
- Verify Caller Identity: If you receive a suspicious call, verify the caller's identity independently using official contact information from trusted sources.
- Do Not Share Personal Information: Avoid sharing sensitive information such as social security numbers, bank account details, or passwords over the phone.
- Be Wary of Unsolicited Offers: Be cautious of unsolicited offers, especially those requiring immediate action or payment.
- Don’t answer the call, let it go to voicemail: This will allow you to verify information before responding to a call.
The Sheriff's Office urges residents to stay informed and share this information with family, friends, and neighbors to prevent falling victim to phone scams. For more information or to report a scam, contact the Clatsop County Sheriff's Office through non-emergency dispatch at 503-325-2061 or visit https://www.clatsopcounty.gov/sheriff.
Stay vigilant and protect yourself from phone scams!
Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office
Paul Williams
https://www.clatsopcounty.gov/sheriff