BEND, OR -- Scammers are again targeting Deschutes County residents by posing as law enforcement. Investigators say some people have lost money by falling victim of the phone scam where a man identifies himself as a member of the Sheriff’s Office and claims the person has a warrant for missing jury duty. The victim is then ordered to provide a pre-paid debit card to pay bail for the warrant and avoid going to jail.
In a similar scam, a person claims to be Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel. In one incident, a man said the victim needed to pay a fee for Oregon's "bad check diversion program."
The incidents are being investigated. Officials say people are not typically notified of an outstanding warrant by phone. Anyone who receives a call similar to these is asked to contact the Sheriff's Office.
