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Jackson County Warns Residents as Scammers Use AI Videos and Fake Deputies to Target Families News By Diane Megaw On Oct 7, 2025 JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. — Two new scams targeting vulnerable people in the community have been identified by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO). Scam #1: Runaway Child Hoax Over 100 similar ransom scams have been tracked by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) since 2020. After taking information from a social media post about a missing juvenile, scammers sent the family a video that could only be viewed once—likely AI-generated—showing the child restrained in a chair, demanding $1,500 or they would harm their family member. The call originated from a Canadian phone number. The family confirmed the juvenile was safe. This is the second local scam of this kind in less than a month. NCMEC strongly advises families to allow authorities to create and distribute missing child posters and warns against including personal phone numbers or emails on self-made posters. Scam #2: Jail Release Fraud Scammers impersonating a JCSO deputy called a family of a newly arrested AIC using accurate details about the jailed individual, asking for $1,500 for bail plus $500 for an ankle monitor to secure the AIC’s release to a drug treatment program. The caller claimed to be a Jackson County Jail pretrial release coordinator and asked that the money be sent to a kiosk at Walmart. Scam information to share, especially with those who may be vulnerable: Law enforcement NEVER calls to collect money. And do NOT request payment by phone. Law enforcement never requests payment via gift cards, Bitcoin, or kiosks. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and call Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon (ECSO) at 911 for non-emergency dispatch at **541-776-7206**. Jackson County Southern Oregon Share Twitter Facebook ReddIt WhatsApp Pinterest Email