Police Investigating Linn County Phone Scam

The Sheriff's Office does not, nor has it ever, conducted phone solicitations for any of its programs.

Photo: Tim King

(ALBANY, Ore. ) - Linn County Sheriff Tim Mueller reports that his deputies are investigating a possible phone scam where the caller solicits donations for search and rescue.

The Sheriff's Office has received three complaints over the past week from citizens who have been contacted by telephone from someone claiming to be collecting donations for the Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Team.

One complainant reported that the person wanted their credit card number for a $10 donation.

At this time, deputies have not received information that anyone has given the caller their credit card number.

It has been reported that when refused, the caller becomes aggressive in his attempt to convince the person to make a contribution.

The Sheriff's Office does not, nor has it ever, conducted phone solicitations for any of its programs.

It is recommended to everyone to never to give your credit card number to any solicitor, no matter how legitimate they may seem.

Anyone who has been contacted by someone requesting money for search and rescue is encouraged to report this immediately to the Linn County Sheriff's Office, Deputy Bruce Davis, at (541) 967-3911.