Sheriff’s Office Investigates Fraud, July 29

News release from the Coos Co. Sheriff’s Office. Suspect(s): Unknown male caller representing himself as someone from the Coos County Sheriff’s Office (deputy, Sgt, Lt. or Capt) Telephone numbers such as: 541-205-****; 541-591-****; 541-217-****; Victim(s): Various. Information: On 07/24/2014 the Coos County Sheriff’s Office stated receiving a number of reports from citizens in Coos County about suspicious phone calls reporting to be from the Coos County Sheriff’s Office and Coos County Courts. A number of citizens reported receiving a phone call from a number of 541-205-**** claiming to be a representative from the Coos County Courts and claiming the person being called had missed Jury Duty and that a warrant was going to be issued if they did not send money. These calls have continued over the weekend and the caller has identified himself as a Deputy, a Sergeant, a Lieutenant, or Captain of the Coos County Sheriff’s Office. The caller has used a southern accent and advised the victim that they had missed jury duty and Judge Baron was going to issue a warrant for their arrest. That they could circumvent their arrest by going to Walgreens or Fred Myer and getting a pre-paid Visa or Gift card and that the officer would call back and get the card number thus cancelling the warrant. The Sheriff’s Office has logged at least 14 to 16 victims that have been called by the suspect and at least one victim who lost money by the scam. The Coos County Sheriff’s Office and the Coos County Courts want to let people know that these calls are not coming from them and are a scam. Any person receiving suspicious calls from anyone requesting they send money or inquiring about personal information should not respond. The Sheriff’s Office is still investigating and has also passed this information onto the Department of Justice.