Scam Information
We will periodically post information about telephone and email scams that we hear about locally.
For more information about scams check with the FTC (Federal Trade Commission). If you spot a scam, report it to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint.
Oregon Department of Justice released information on a Grandparent Scam.
- A caller will contact older adults claiming a grandchild has been arrested and needs bail or legal fees. The caller may claim to be an attorney and that the call is legitimate. They will then send a courier to the older adults location to retrieve the money. For more information on this scam, see the DOJ's website.
State and federal recovery officials urge Oregon residents to beware of and report any suspicious activity or potential fraud from scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals who may try to prey on survivors following the recent wildfires. Read this FAQ to learn more.
- We've received calls about Social Security scams picking up again. Remember that Social Security will never call and ask for your number or any payment. Here's some quick tips to look out for from the FTC regarding Social Security scams.
- We've received calls regarding scams which ask for donations to support police or other law enforcement. Remember that our police department is partially funded through the Public Safety Fee. We will never call you and ask for donations to support our police department. The Better Business Bureau outlines these types of scams and what to look for here.
The Oregon Department of Justice has issued a scam alert for people who are pretending to be contact tracers. These imposters send emails and text messages with links to fraudulent websites. Clicking on the link may download software onto a device, giving them access to an array of your personal and financial information.
If you receive an email or a text message you think might be from a scammer posing as a contact tracer, first, do not click on any links. Then, file a complaint online at www.oregonconsumer.gov or call 877-877-9392 and ask that a complaint form be mailed to you.
Watch this news piece for more information on the scams.
For more information on what you can expect from state, local, or tribal health department contact tracing efforts, visit www.healthoregon.org/contacttracing.
