Grants Pass, OR – Residents across Josephine County are being warned this week about a growing phone scam where callers impersonate sheriff’s deputies and demand bail money for alleged arrests.
According to the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, multiple reports have surfaced over the past several weeks of suspects falsely claiming to be members of law enforcement, often identifying themselves as Undersheriff Travis Snyder. The scammers typically call victims saying a family member has been arrested, then request money to secure their release.
The Sheriff’s Office stressed that deputies will never contact residents by phone to solicit bail payments. Officials urged anyone receiving such a call to hang up immediately and report it to the Sheriff’s Office at 541-474-5123.
“Law enforcement does not operate this way,” the department said in a statement, reminding residents to remain vigilant and not provide financial or personal details over the phone. They advised that anyone unsure of a call’s legitimacy should independently look up a business or agency’s verified number before responding.
Authorities also asked residents to share this warning with friends and family members who may not use social media or follow local news sources, as scammers often target vulnerable individuals.
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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