Phone Scam Costs Multnomah County Resident $40,000
The scammer posed as a sheriff deputy to convince a 79-year-old man to deposit cash into a bitcoin kiosk.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Financial Crime
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A 79-year-old Multnomah County man lost $40,000 in a phone scam on September 23, 2026, after a caller impersonating a sheriff deputy falsely claimed he faced arrest for missing jury duty.
Why it matters
Scammers are increasingly using fear of law enforcement to manipulate residents into moving personal savings into unregulated digital assets like bitcoin, making recovery nearly impossible.
The victim lost $40,000 total, split into two $20,000 cash withdrawals that were funneled into a bitcoin machine in Southeast Portland. It remains unknown if any of the lost funds can be recovered.
The players
Multnomah County Sheriff's Office
The local law enforcement agency responsible for patrolling the county and issuing public safety alerts.
The details
The perpetrator contacted the 79-year-old resident and used the threat of an imminent arrest warrant to pressure him into immediate action. The man withdrew $20,000 twice from his bank and deposited the cash into a bitcoin kiosk at a Southeast Portland convenience store. The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office has since issued a public warning regarding these types of impersonation schemes.
Timeline
September 23, 2026: The victim was reported missing after the phone scam occurred.
Beyond the Bridges
This incident follows the pattern set by the ongoing Multnomah County Sheriff's Office warning regarding phone scams. It highlights the persistence of impersonation tactics despite repeated public notices from local agencies.
Residents should never withdraw cash to pay fines or fees based on an unsolicited phone call, even if the caller claims to be with a local law enforcement agency. Official agencies will never demand payment via bitcoin kiosks.
The takeaway
If you receive a call threatening arrest for missed jury duty, hang up immediately and contact the Sheriff's Office directly using a verified number. Legitimate government entities will never require payments via bitcoin machines.
Further reading
For more on how to identify and report deceptive practices, visit our Financial Crime section.
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