CLACKAMAS COUNTY, Ore. — A West Linn couple narrowly avoided an inventive scam after a man, posing as a law enforcement officer, called and asked them for money to help their recently-arrested son.
The parents, skeptical about the call, hung up and searched the online Clackamas County jail roster, only to discover that their son had been arrested that morning for drug possession — adding credibility to a scheme that attempted to extort thousands of dollars.
“They’re taking advantage of someone in a position of vulnerability,” said Holly Scheid. “Emotionally, it’s your son, and so you’re wanting to help however you can.”…