Dallas, OR – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents to stay alert after a wave of scam calls impersonating Sheriff Mark Garton and other deputies has resurfaced this holiday season.
According to the sheriff’s office, scammers are calling residents from blocked or private numbers, claiming they missed a court date or failed to appear for jury duty. The callers often threaten arrest unless the victim immediately pays a “fine” through Bitcoin or by purchasing gift cards from major retailers like Walgreens or Target.
Authorities emphasize that law enforcement will never demand payment over the phone or request personal information to resolve alleged warrants or missed summons. “Do not send them any money,” the department wrote in its post.
The sheriff’s office urges anyone receiving these calls to hang up immediately, block the number, and report the scam. Residents are also encouraged to share the warning with friends and family, as scammers often sound convincing and use real names of local officials.
Officials recommend keeping a close watch on credit reports and signing up for fraud monitoring, since scammers may possess stolen personal data from online breaches.
Anyone with information or who believes they’ve been targeted should contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office directly using verified contact numbers.
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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