Eugene
The Eugene Police Department has seen a rise in younger, college-aged victims reporting a “Police Call” scam in which scammers impersonate officers to extort money

Eugene, OR – According to the police officials, the victims typically receive a phone call from someone claiming they have a warrant for their arrest, and are told they must buy gift cards or face being taken into custody.
In some cases, when victims ask for verification, the scammers spoof the Eugene Police Department’s phone number, making it appear as if the call is legitimate.
The scammers even use a non-department phone number with a convincing recorded message claiming to be the Eugene Police Department.
This tactic often leads victims to believe the scam is real, especially when scammers use the names of actual EPD employees.
Officials emphasize that Eugene Police, or any government agency, would never call and demand immediate payment, especially not through gift cards, Apple Pay, or cryptocurrency. They also do not call to inform individuals of warrants for their arrest.
The “Police Call” scam has been around for some time and resurfaces periodically. Victims are typically told they must pay money to avoid criminal charges, with payments requested through various methods, including gift cards, Zelle, and Apple Pay.
Residents are urged to be cautious and not fall for these scams.
-
Crime & Safety1 week ago
Mom, who was seen carrying an injection device out of the bathroom and then injecting her chiId’s foot with what appeared to be insuIin, causing the 2-year-old to scream and experience medicaI probIems, was sentenced
-
Crime & Safety1 week ago
4-month-old dies after her dad, who told the baby’s mom not to seek medicaI help when she found the baby making the most aIarming noises, infIicted fataI injuries, then cIaimed he ‘pIayed vioIently’ with the girI: police
-
Crime & Safety4 days ago
Man kiIIed the woman he was Iiving with very close to her sIeeping 2-year-old chiId, then attempted to make it look like the fataI injuries were the resuIt of a faII: police
-
Crime & Safety4 days ago
Man who became angry when his famiIy member removed him from their parent’s home due to his Iack of support or financiaI contribution to the househoId before he arrived at the woman’s workpIace and kiIIed her, has been indicted
-
Eugene1 week ago
Police investigate shooting at Walmart in Eugene
-
Eugene6 days ago
Eugene police recover stolen vehicle within an hour using license plate reader system
-
Crime & Safety1 day ago
Mom cIaims she briefIy Ieft her 2-year-old aIone and, when she returned, found the chiId screaming after her partner, who didn’t get along with the child’s bioIogicaI dad, caused severe injuries with boiIing Iiquid: DA
-
Eugene6 days ago
Man arrested for theft of youth league funds, police seek tips