Medford, OR – The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) is warning residents about two new scams preying on vulnerable community members — including families of missing juveniles and recently arrested individuals. Authorities say the schemes use emotional manipulation and advanced technology to appear legitimate.
According to the sheriff’s office, one scam — dubbed the “Runaway Child Hoax” — involves suspects pulling information from social media posts about missing children. Victims reportedly received AI-generated ransom videos showing a child restrained, with scammers demanding $1,500 to prevent harm. The video was viewable only once and traced to a Canadian number. Deputies confirmed the child in the case was safe.
In another case, scammers impersonated a sheriff’s deputy and called the family of a newly jailed person, asking for $1,500 in bail and $500 for an ankle monitor. The caller, using accurate jail details, instructed the family to send payment via a Walmart kiosk.
Officials emphasize that law enforcement will never request money by phone or ask for payment through gift cards, kiosks, or cryptocurrency. Anyone receiving such a call is urged to hang up and contact Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon at 541-776-7206.
Residents are encouraged to share the warning, particularly with those most vulnerable to scams.
