The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office is bringing attention to a new kind of scam. Con artists are targeting the families and friends of those locked up, claiming they can secure the prompt release of their incarcerated loved ones for a fee, according to an alert from the MCSO. In a scam as low as it is cunning, unsuspecting relatives are told they can free their loved ones from jail through payments, including online transactions, wire transfers, and even gift cards.
It's a scheme playing on the strings of desperation and hope. Speaking to the public, MCSO Chief Deputy Stephen Reardon has made it clear that these promises are fraudulent. "Release decisions are governed by Oregon law and the courts," he stated in a report from the MCSO's website. He did not mince his words: "If someone is on the phone claiming to be a law enforcement member and asking you for money, you’re on the phone with someone trying to steal from you, not help you. It’s perfectly acceptable to hang up the phone."
The MCSO is adamant that the only ways one can post bail for an adult in custody are through the official TouchPay Online portal on the MCSO's website or in person at the Inverness Jail or the Multnomah County Detention Center. Any other method proposed by a voice over the line is as authentic as a three-dollar bill.
Adding to the pile of deceit, no MCSO official will ever request payment over the phone. Touting nonexistent "discounted release programs" or "GPS release programs", these scammers attempt to exploit the fearful and desperate. The Metropolitan Public Defender's office flagged the frequency of these scams, the MCSO revealed in their alert, and they've expressed gratitude for the heads-up that allows them to campaign against these manipulative tactics.
Victims of such scams, or those who suspect they might be targeted, are being urged to contact local law enforcement and file a report. For anyone unsure about the legitimacy of a contact from law enforcement, MCSO has provided two non-emergency phone numbers for verification: 503-823-3333 and 503-988-3689. The MCSO, committed to protecting the community, vows to continue joining forces with regional partners to track down these scams and alert the public.
