From the Office of the Sheriff Sheriff Dennis L. Dotson

For Immediate Release

NEWS RELEASE

Date: Jan 22, 2009

Bail Scam Alert

Sheriff Dennis Dotson has just learned of a Bail Scam that has occurred at several Oregon jails. The Lincoln County Jail has not experienced this scam as of yet.

In each case a person identifying themselves as a "deputy" calls to advise the victim that a loved one or an employee has been arrested. The caller directs the victim to pay the bail to a bail bondsman via wire, and then go to the jail to pick up the arrested person. The money is actually being sent to the scammer, and the victim later learns the "arrested person" was at home or work and never even had contact with law enforcement.

“It is important for Oregonians to know that Oregon does not allow “bail bonding” so there are no “bail bondsman” in Oregon,” stated Sheriff Dotson.

Sheriff's Deputies or staff will not call you on the phone and ask you to post bail for anyone! A recent scam in Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington Counties is catching innocent employers, relatives, and friends off guard.

Security (bail) can only be posted in person at the jail. You can also call the jail to confirm the arrest or search the Sheriff’s Office “Inmate Roster” on their website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net to confirm if a person is in the Lincoln County Jail.

Sheriff Dotson stated, “The best way to stop a scam is for it to stop working, so please share this message with others!”

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