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08/29/2019 - Scammer_Impersonating_Officer aTigard Police Department Media Release • ' 13125 SW Hall Boulevard I Tigard,Oregon 97223 www.tigard-or.gov/police FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 29, 2019 Contact: Stefanie Kouremetis, Community Engagement Program Coordinator Tigard Police Department Phone: 503-718-2814 Email: Stefanie.Kouremetis@tigard-or.gov Scammer Impersonating a Tigard Officer Over the last couple of days,Tigard Police have received several reports of a scammer(s) calling residents and businesses claiming to be a Tigard Police Officer. In a couple of these reported calls, the person identified himself as "Deputy Kyle Parker" and,in one case, attempted to obtain personal information from the call recipient. Fortunately, the recipient did not share any information. In at least one case, the scammer provided a phone number for call back with a voicemail stating that he is a Tigard Police Officer and that people should call 9-1-1 for emergencies. In many of these schemes involving law enforcement, fraudsters tells intended victims that they have outstanding citations or arrest warrants and must pay immediately to avoid being arrested. In some cases, scammers claim that victims missed jury duty and have warrants out for their arrest. Scammers goals are to pressure victims to act before they have time to think or do their research. Some scam prevention tips to consider: • Tigard Police will not demand payment from you for citations or warrants. • Be wary of anyone calling you and asking for your personal information. • If you are contacted unsolicited by someone identifying themselves to be a Tigard officer, contact the non-emergency number at 503-629-0111 to verify. • Be aware that you can't always trust caller ID. Scammers often use caller ID spoofing,which allows them to falsify the number shown on caller ID. • Many scammers are currently demanding payment by gift card or prepaid credit card. Be wary if that is the requested payment method. Page 1 of 2 • Tigard Police Department Media Release ' 13125 SW Hall Boulevard I Tigard,Oregon 97223 1 www.tigard-or.gov/police If a caller claims that you owe money and you are concerned that you do, hang up and contact the company directly to check it out. If you have been a victim of a scam in Tigard,please report the crime to the police non- emergency number at 503-629-0111. • For information on the Oregon Attorney General's Office consumer hotline,please visit: https://www.doj.state.or.us/consumer-protection/ Page 2 of 2