Multnomah Co. authorities warn of scammers posing as law enforcement to target victims

PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) - The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is warning the public of scammers posing as law enforcement after a man was defrauded of $40,000 in a recent case.

According to the MCSO, last month, a 79-year-old man was reported missing by his daughter after she received a concerning call from him and lost contact.

The daughter told authorities that her father called to indicate he was working with MCSO after he received a voicemail from a caller identifying himself as “Lieutenant White” with the MCSO. The man told his daughter he could not discuss the situation further.

The scammer had informed the victim that he had missed jury duty and would have to pay a fine to avoid arrest. The victim made two separate withdrawals of $20,000 and deposited the money into a convenience store bitcoin machine.

After the victim eventually returned home, a responding deputy “intercepted” a call between the man and the suspected scammer, at which point the scammer immediately hung up.

Cybersecurity expert David Quisenberry from Highvault Consulting said new technology used in these kinds of scams make it difficult for people to know what’s real or fake.

“We’re gonna see more of this. You’re gonna get a call and it’s gonna sound like someone that your neighbors with, but it’s actually gonna be coming from someone overseas, someone who doesn’t even speak English, and it’s all computer driven,” Quisenberry said.

Authorities urge the public to pay attention to warning signs from suspected scammers, such as instructions not to discuss the situation with family, or demands for payment over the phone for a criminal matter.

“They want people to panic and act before they know what has happened,” explains MCSO Detective Tamari Johnson.

The MCSO reiterates that legitimate law enforcement will never demand payment over the phone to resolve a warrant, avoid an arrest, or otherwise solve a criminal matter.

“Please report these crimes to law enforcement,” said Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez. “We know these cases can be challenging to investigate, but if a scammer can be identified - we will prosecute.”

If you think you received a scam phone call, the sheriff’s office says you should:

Hang up. Do not provide personal information, financial details, or payment.

Verify the caller independently. Contact the law enforcement agency directly using a phone number obtained from its official website. Do not use a callback number provided by the caller.

Never send money to someone claiming to be law enforcement. Do not withdraw cash or make payments through cryptocurrency kiosks, gift cards, or wire transfers at a caller’s direction.

Talk to someone you trust. Scammers rely on fear and secrecy. Speak with a family member or trusted friend, it can help identify suspicious activity.

Report the scam. If you believe you have been targeted, contact your local law enforcement agency. If you have already sent money, immediately notify your bank or financial institution.