Oct. 15, 2024  4:30 p.m.

The Eugene Police Department (EPD) is reporting that local college-age people are being targeted with an arrest warrant payment scam. Someone impersonating EPD calls the victim and says there is a warrant for their arrest. The victim is told to purchase gift cards and give the card information to the caller. EPD’s phone number has been spoofed to show up on caller ID, making the story seem legitimate. A law enforcement agency will not ask you for this type of information or request gift cards for payment.

If you receive a call and recognize that it is a scam, hang up and report it to https://www.ic3.gov/.

If you are a victim of this or any other scam, call the University of Oregon Police Department at 541-346-2919.

We are not aware of UO students being victimized but are sharing the information because it is occurring in the community. This is one of many similar scams that you should be aware occur, so you can protect yourself.

Remember:

•If someone asks you for cash, gift cards, credit card numbers, security logins, or other personal information, refuse the request and check with the police, or find an independent way to contact a legitimate business and follow up. 

•Don’t give out computer or phone logins, personal, or financial information to someone who calls you. If you are unsure, hang up and find the real agency phone number and call yourself.

•Beware high-pressure techniques. Don’t give information or make a decision on the spot. 

•If it sounds quirky or weird, it probably is.

More information on the Eugene Police Department current scam is available at https://www.eugene-or.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=6783.