Gresham Police Issue Scam Alert

GRESHAM, OR — A man reportedly pretending to be a Gresham police officer is attempting to scam residents into paying fines that don't actually exist, according to authorities. The man, who either claims to be Gresham Police Sgt. Jason Cook or Lt. Finley, is allegedly making phone calls to local businesses on behalf of the Gresham Police Department's "Civil Division" to request payment for traffic citations, court fees, and processing fees, police said.

Gresham police made the announcement Monday after reportedly receiving several phone calls from concerned citizens.

According to police officials, no person named Jason Cook or Finley works for the city of Gresham or the police department, and officers do not call residents to seek payments on fines or fees.

"If someone claims to be from the city of Gresham Police Department, trying to collect money, please note the phone number, name used, and the date and time of the call before hanging up to call non-emergency to speak with a certified police officer," police spokesman Sgt. John Rasmussen said in a statement. "The police department does charge and collect fees in certain situations for vehicle releases (if a car has been towed), and for specific public record request functions (related copies of reports and person inquires). (But) fees are only collected when people come to the department's Records desk in person, and they are always given a receipt."

No suspect(s) have been identified at this time, police said.

If you believe you've received a call from a scammer, police officials suggest calling the non-emergency line at 503-823-3333 or the Records division at 503-617-2338. Additionally, police said, never send money to someone you don't know, don't agree to meet anyone you don't know, and don't give out personal information to anyone you don't know.

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