Eugene, OR. — Eugene Police Department (EPD) officials are warning residents about a growing trend of financial scams targeting older individuals, particularly involving fraudulent wire transfer requests.
According to EPD, a local bank recently reported an uptick in elderly customers attempting to wire money under suspicious circumstances. Bank employees observed that many of these individuals appeared to have been coached by scammers to provide false explanations, such as paying for home repairs or sending money to relatives.
Authorities say the funds in these cases are often ultimately transferred into accounts controlled by scammers, making recovery difficult once the transaction is completed.
Police are urging residents to remain cautious when asked to send money, especially through wire transfers, and to independently verify any request before taking action. Officials recommend visiting a bank in person to confirm the legitimacy of any financial request or communication involving personal or banking information.
EPD also emphasized that legitimate organizations, including law enforcement agencies, will not request sensitive information or payments through methods such as wire transfers, gift cards, or money orders.
Residents who receive suspicious calls are encouraged to hang up immediately and report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov. Those who believe they have been victims of a scam involving financial loss are advised to contact EPD’s non-emergency line at 541-682-5111.
Police offered additional guidance to help prevent fraud, including avoiding sharing personal or financial information over the phone, resisting high-pressure tactics demanding immediate action, and verifying any unusual requests through trusted, independent sources.
Officials stress that scams are cyclical and evolving, making awareness and skepticism key tools in preventing financial loss.
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