Astoria, OR – The Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office warned residents about a scam in which callers were impersonating deputies or other law enforcement officers and demanding payment for alleged warrants or missed court dates.
According to the sheriff’s office, scammers were contacting people by phone and claiming that the recipients owed money because of an outstanding warrant or missed court appearance.
The office emphasized that legitimate law enforcement officials would never contact someone to demand immediate payment for an outstanding warrant or missed court date.
Residents were also warned that the sheriff’s office would never instruct someone to pay a fine or warrant using Bitcoin, other cryptocurrency or gift cards.
Another warning sign is a threat of immediate arrest if payment is not made. The sheriff’s office said residents should be cautious of callers using pressure or threats to convince them to send money.
Anyone who receives a suspicious call and is unsure whether it is legitimate was advised to hang up and contact the sheriff’s office directly using its official phone number.
The sheriff’s office encouraged residents to share the warning with family members, friends and others in the community to help prevent additional people from becoming victims.
Authorities urged residents to remain alert and avoid providing money or financial information to callers making unexpected demands.
