Scam alert: Crook County residents targeted by callers impersonating law enforcement
Claire Elmer
CROOK COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Crook County Sheriff’s Office is alerting residents to a phone scam involving callers who claim to be members of law enforcement. Officials say the scammers are contacting residents and falsely telling them they’ve missed jury duty or have an active warrant out for their arrest.
The sheriff’s office says the callers often demand immediate payment to resolve the issue, frequently requesting unusual forms of payment such as gift cards or cryptocurrency, including Bitcoin.
Authorities emphasize that these demands are a clear sign of a scam, and legitimate law enforcement agencies will never call and request money for a warrant, fine, or missed jury duty — especially not through gift cards or digital currency.
Deputies say the scam is designed to create a sense of fear and urgency, pressuring victims to act quickly before verifying the information.
Anyone who receives one of these calls is urged to hang up right away, avoid sending any money or personal information, and contact the Crook County Sheriff’s Office directly to confirm whether the claim is real.
Residents can reach the Crook County Sheriff’s Office at 541-447-6398 to report suspicious calls or ask questions. Officials remind the public that awareness is key to stopping scam activity before it causes harm.