Connect with us

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

Published

on

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.

You may also like…

Crime & Safety2 days ago

Woman routinely beat her child with belt, made the boy stay trapped in a cIoset and left him lying on the floor restrained because she would catch the maInourished child ‘stealing food’; charged

Missouri – A Missouri woman was taken into custody and later charged with multiple offenses, including abuse or neglect of...

Oregon3 days ago

Governor Tina Kotek directs Oregon Department of Forestry to pause appeals process for Statewide Wildfire Hazard Map until after legislative session

Eugene, OR – Governor Tina Kotek has directed the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) to continue accepting appeals of the Oregon...

Oregon3 days ago

Oregon Department of Agriculture’s Produce Safety Program to offer free remote PSA Grower Training courses this spring

Oregon – The Oregon Department of Agriculture’s Produce Safety Program will host several remote Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training courses this...

Eugene6 days ago

Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee to hold virtual meeting on Feb. 21 to discuss staffing, planning, and habitat conservation

Eugene, OR – The Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee (FTLAC) will meet virtually on Friday, Feb. 21, at 10 a.m. The...

Oregon6 days ago

Oregon Department of Agriculture and WSDA warn pet owners after avian influenza found in raw pet food

Oregon – The Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Washington State Department of Agriculture are warning pet owners about the risks...

Oregon6 days ago

Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission adopts changes to sea urchin regulations, maintains limits on commercial permits

Oregon – The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted changes to Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations for sea...

News1 week ago

OEM activates State Emergency Coordination Center in response to winter storm impacting Western Oregon

Oregon – The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) has activated the State Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) to Level 3...

News1 week ago

Eugene Police Department earns re-accreditation with Northwest Accreditation Alliance

Eugene, OR – The Eugene Police Department earned re-accreditation with the Northwest Accreditation Alliance on January 8, 2025, following a thorough...

Crime & Safety1 week ago

Community Safety Payroll Tax funds Eugene Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit to address high-impact criminal activity

Eugene, OR – According to the police officials, Eugene Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit plays a vital role in maintaining...

Crime & Safety1 week ago

Woman claims her partner began to yell at her and pushed her against a wall because their special needs child soiIed his pants before putting the boy to sleep, grabbing a gun and killing the man; sentenced

Florida – A Florida woman, later identified as 39-year-old Lauri, was ordered to serve twenty five years behind bards after...

Eugene1 week ago

Multi-state burglary ring arrests made following extensive investigation by Eugene Police and surrounding agencies

Eugene, OR – Eugene Police have dedicated significant resources to investigating a multi-state burglary ring since the arrests of three individuals...

Trending