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- calendar_today October 28, 2026
Gresham Man Targeted in Serious Phone Scam
An elderly resident of Gresham recently lost more than $40,000 in Bitcoin after falling for a phone scam in which fraudsters impersonated personnel from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO). The incident has prompted a renewed warning from local officials urging residents to beware of similar schemes and become familiar with common scam prevention tactics.
Details of the Scam Emerge
The case came to light following a report received by the authorities last month. Tarisa Whitney, the daughter of the 79-year-old victim, Steven, notified the police after becoming concerned by her father’s absence. She recounted that Steven had told her he was cooperating with the sheriff’s office over the phone but refused to provide further details. Fearing a scam, Tarisa promptly contacted MCSO.
Fraudulent Calls and Bitcoin Withdrawals
According to officials, a deputy was able to intercept Steven during a phone call with an alleged scammer, who immediately hung up when confronted. Investigators discovered a voicemail on Steven’s phone from a caller identifying himself as "Lieutenant White" of the MCSO. The message claimed Steven faced jail time for missing jury duty unless he promptly paid a fine.
In response to these threats, Steven withdrew $20,000 from his bank on two different occasions. He then deposited the cash into a bitcoin ATM located in a convenience store in southeast Portland, following the scammer’s instructions. Reflecting on the ordeal, Steven stated, “I just thought I had to pay it.”
Urgency and Deceptive Tactics Used
The MCSO warned that scammers often pressure victims to act quickly by creating a sense of urgency and instructing them not to speak with friends or family. Detective Tamari Johnson explained, “They want people to panic and act before they know what has happened.” These urgent scam tactics are used to isolate the victim and prevent them from seeking advice or verification.
Law Enforcement Advice and Scam Prevention
Officials emphasized that law enforcement agencies do not demand money over the phone to avoid arrest, settle warrants, or resolve criminal matters. The MCSO provided guidance to help individuals avoid becoming victims of similar impersonation scams:
- Hang up on suspicious calls
- Verify the caller’s identity independently
- Never send money to anyone claiming to be law enforcement over the phone
- Discuss the situation with a trusted person
- Report suspected scams to authorities
Raising Awareness About Scams and Reporting Fraud
This incident highlights the prevalence of impostor scams and the need for greater public awareness, especially regarding law enforcement impersonation and the use of bitcoin or other untraceable payment methods. Officials urge anyone contacted by someone demanding money or personal information over the phone to remain calm, verify information, and report the contact as fraud. Preventing scams is a community effort that relies on vigilance, open communication, and timely fraud reporting.
Source: koin.com.
