Bend residents have recently reported receiving phone calls from individuals pretending to be law enforcement or court officials, often using phone numbers that appear legitimate. Bend Police spokesperson Sheila Miller explains that these numbers are typically spoofed through internet services, making it nearly impossible to trace the source. Once money is sent to these scammers, it’s rarely recoverable. Miller warns that scammers have also begun sending convincing fake documents, sometimes created with AI technology, but emphasizes that genuine law enforcement will never deliver documents via text. If you’re uncertain about a call, hang up and contact the agency directly for confirmation.