If you live in Oregon, especially in Benton County, be very careful about the phone calls you get today. The Benton County Sheriff’s Office recently issued a warning about scam calls where criminals pretend to be someone they are not. These fake, or “spoofed,” calls can look real and try to trick you into giving away personal information or money.
Scammers are using advanced technology to make their phone numbers appear legitimate to the recipients. This means you might get a call that looks like it is from the sheriff’s office or another trusted agency, but it’s actually a fraud attempt. Understanding this scam and staying alert can help protect you and your family from potential harm.
What Are Spoofed Calls and How Do They Work?
Spoofed calls happen when scammers change the number that appears on your caller ID. They do this to make the call look like it is coming from someone you trust, such as a government office, a bank, or a local law enforcement agency. In this case, the scammers are pretending to be from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office to make their scheme more believable.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), spoofing is illegal when used to defraud, cause harm, or wrongfully obtain anything of value (“FTC on Caller ID Spoofing”). These calls often try to scare you or make you feel urgent, pushing you to share personal information or pay a fake fine. It is crucial not to trust the caller ID alone and to verify the call before responding.
What the Benton County Sheriff’s Office Advises
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office has urged everyone to stay cautious and not respond to suspicious calls asking for money or personal information. They recommend hanging up immediately if you receive such a call and contacting the sheriff’s office or your local police directly through official numbers to confirm.
They also advise never to share your Social Security number, bank details, or credit card numbers over the phone unless you have verified the caller’s identity fully. According to the Oregon State Police website, official agencies will never demand immediate payment over the phone or threaten legal action without proper paperwork (“Oregon State Police Consumer Alert”).
How to Protect Yourself from Phone Scams
There are several simple steps you can take to protect yourself from spoofed calls and other phone scams:
- Do not answer calls from unknown numbers. Let them go to voicemail.
- If you answer and the caller asks for personal info or money, hang up immediately.
- Use call-blocking apps or your phone settings to block spam calls.
- Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized activity.
- Register your number on the National Do Not Call Registry to reduce unsolicited calls (“National Do Not Call Registry”).
Being cautious and informed is the best defense against these scams. Always take your time and verify before you respond to any suspicious phone calls.
What To Do If You Have Been Targeted
If you believe you have been targeted by a spoofed call scam, it is important to act quickly. Report the incident to your local police department and file a complaint with the FTC through their official site. This will help authorities track scammers and warn others.
If you shared sensitive information, contact your bank or financial institutions immediately to secure your accounts. They can help monitor or freeze your accounts to prevent losses. Oregon’s Attorney General also encourages victims of scams to reach out to their Consumer Protection section for advice (“Oregon Department of Justice – Consumer Protection”).
Remember: Stay Alert to Stay Safe
Phone scams like these are increasing in frequency and sophistication, but by staying alert and following the advice of trusted sources, you can protect yourself. Always remember: official law enforcement agencies will never call you demanding money unexpectedly via phone.
Keep your personal information safe, question unsolicited phone calls, and verify before responding. Sharing this knowledge with friends and family can help protect your community from falling victim to these dangerous scams.
