McMinnville, OR – The Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) is warning residents about a phone scam in which callers impersonate deputies, claiming targets have outstanding warrants, missed jury duty, or other “law enforcement” issues.
According to YCSO, the scam callers pressure victims to verify personal details such as names or addresses, then demand additional sensitive information—like Social Security or banking numbers—under the threat of arrest or fines. In some cases, victims are told they must remain on the line or go to the sheriff’s office immediately to resolve the issue.
Officials emphasize that no legitimate law enforcement agency will ever call to collect fines, demand payment, or request personal data over the phone. “If it’s really us, we’ll come see you in person,” YCSO said in the alert.
Residents are urged to trust their instincts and hang up if a caller pressures them for information. The sheriff’s office advises not to verify or provide any personal data and to call the non-emergency dispatch line at 503-434-6500 to confirm the legitimacy of any such contact.
Authorities say these scams often target seniors and other vulnerable individuals. The department encourages community members to share this warning to prevent further victimization.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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