City of Eugene Credit Card Scam is Going Around

Eugene, Ore. – “I couldn’t fall prey to a scam!” That’s what everyone thinks. But, there are so many scams out there that if you are in the right situation, you might get taken off guard. Eugene Police received a report from a man in another part of the state noting he had gotten a call on his caller ID from “City of Eugene” and the caller was trying to get his credit card information.

These calls generally use an automated system but occasionally they will come from an actual person who attempts to alarm or scare the recipient.

There are so many scams out there. Many scams try to alarm you or scare you. Others just prey on your situation. Don’t be fooled. A list of scams is provided on EPD’s website  (https://www.eugene-or.gov/DocumentCenter/View/59589/Scams-and-Fraud-EPD-Website-1-1-21?bidId=). This document covers some of the most common scams we’ve seen in our area, but new ones are popping-up all the time. It is easy to get taken in, even if you are usually suspicious of scams.

The Eugene Police Department would like to remind people to follow their instincts and never feel embarrassed about confirming the identity of a caller. This can be accomplished by contacting the represented agency directly via a published contact phone number and asking to speak with the individual directly or confirm the information with the agency’s non-emergency phone number.

If you receive a phone call and recognize that the call is a scam, please hang up immediately and report the information to www.ic3.gov

If you are the victim of a scam and have incurred a loss, please call the EPD non-emergency at 541.682.5111.

These cases provide an opportunity for a reminder on how to avoid becoming the victim of fraud. Scams are cyclical in nature.  Eugene Police recommend to remain careful and skeptical of callers:

• If someone asks you for your cash, credit card numbers or other personal information-especially if you don’t know them well-the safest move is to refuse their request and check with the police, or find an independent way to contact a legitimate business and follow up rather than responding right away to the caller.
• Don’t give out personal or financial information to someone who calls you. If you are unsure, hang up and independently find the phone number of the alleged represented agency and call yourself.  A law enforcement agency will not ask you for this type of information or request that money be sent by way of money order for any reason.
• Beware of high pressure techniques, such as the need to give information or make a decision on the spot.
• If it sounds quirky or weird, it probably is.

(information directly from EPD)