Telephone scams

The Milwaukie Police Department is warning residents about a series of phone scams in which fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officers to extort money from victims. These scams are happening locally in Milwaukie as well as throughout the region and the country.

While the specifics of these scams can vary, the typical scenario involves a caller pretending to be a police officer who falsely claims that a warrant has been issued for the victim due to missed court appearances, jury duty, unpaid fines, or similar issues. The scammer then threatens arrest unless payment is made immediately.

These scammers often use the names of real deputies or police officers and may employ a tactic called "spoofing" to make their phone number appear as if it’s coming from a legitimate law enforcement agency. Additionally, federal authorities have reported that scammers may also send fake law enforcement credentials via email to gain the victim's trust.

The scammers use intimidation tactics, demanding payment through various methods such as cash, credit cards, gift cards, payment apps, or even cryptocurrency. However, no legitimate law enforcement agency in Oregon or the surrounding area will ever demand payment over the phone.

If you suspect a phone call is a scam, hang up. If you are further concerned about a potential scam call which the caller states they are with the Milwaukie Police or another local or national governmental Law Enforcement agency, hang up or ask them if you can call them back if they really are an Officer. If you are a Milwaukie resident, call our non-emergency dispatch at 503-786-7500 and ask to speak with a Police Officer.  While Police may try to call you, Milwaukie Officers will NEVER ask for money or payment over the phone.