She lost $57,000 in one day: How a phone scam targeted a woman in Oregon
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It started with a phone call that sounded like a neighbor in trouble—but it ended with one Oregon woman losing her life savings.
In La Pine, a quiet town in Deschutes County, a local woman was scammed out of over $57,000 after falling victim to a convincing and emotionally manipulative phone scheme.
The scammers used multiple phone numbers, disguised voices, and high-pressure tactics to make the situation feel urgent and real.
By the time a concerned neighbor stepped in, the money was gone—transferred into Bitcoin kiosks across the region.
Stories like this are painful, but sharing them can help others stay alert and protected.
The scammers posed as a neighbor, claiming they had been in a car accident and needed bail money to get out of jail.
They provided personal details that made the story believable—likely gathered from public records or social media.
The woman, trying to help, withdrew cash from her home safe and followed instructions to deposit the money at multiple Bitcoin kiosks in La Pine and Bend.
In total, she lost $57,200 before a real neighbor noticed something was off and contacted law enforcement.
Phone scams like this one rely on emotional pressure and isolation.
Here’s how they manipulate victims:
Even the most careful person can get caught off guard, but here are some signs to be aware of:
Thanks to the quick action of a concerned neighbor, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office was alerted.
They helped the victim report the incident to the FBI, and receipts from the transactions were collected as evidence.
While the investigation is ongoing, recovering money sent via cryptocurrency is extremely difficult, which is why prevention is so critical.
Scams like this often target older adults, but anyone can be at risk. Here are some ways to stay safe and help others:
And if you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to call your local authorities.
In Deschutes County, residents can contact the Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at (541) 693-6911.
Read next:
Have you or someone close to you ever received a suspicious call? Did you spot the red flags, or did something feel off after the fact? Your stories can help others in the community stay one step ahead of scammers. Share your experiences and tips in the comments section—we’d love to hear from you!
In La Pine, a quiet town in Deschutes County, a local woman was scammed out of over $57,000 after falling victim to a convincing and emotionally manipulative phone scheme.
The scammers used multiple phone numbers, disguised voices, and high-pressure tactics to make the situation feel urgent and real.
By the time a concerned neighbor stepped in, the money was gone—transferred into Bitcoin kiosks across the region.
Stories like this are painful, but sharing them can help others stay alert and protected.
Scammers often use convincing phone calls to create panic and pressure—stay alert and always verify before sending money. Image Source: Pexels / SHVETS production.
How the scam worked
The scammers posed as a neighbor, claiming they had been in a car accident and needed bail money to get out of jail.
They provided personal details that made the story believable—likely gathered from public records or social media.
The woman, trying to help, withdrew cash from her home safe and followed instructions to deposit the money at multiple Bitcoin kiosks in La Pine and Bend.
In total, she lost $57,200 before a real neighbor noticed something was off and contacted law enforcement.
Also read: A new phone scam is targeting seniors with fake health insurance deals—here’s what to know before you pick up
Why these scams are so convincing
Phone scams like this one rely on emotional pressure and isolation.
Here’s how they manipulate victims:
- They impersonate someone you know, using specific details to gain trust.
- They create urgency, making you feel like you must act immediately.
- They use untraceable payment methods, such as Bitcoin or gift cards.
- They pressure you to keep it secret, cutting you off from others who might intervene.
Also read: Falling for the “transfer it to protect it” scam? FTC warns this scheme is targeting older Americans
Warning signs to watch for
Even the most careful person can get caught off guard, but here are some signs to be aware of:
- Requests for money out of the blue, especially if there’s pressure to act fast.
- Strange payment methods, like cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or gift cards.
- Instructions to keep it quiet, which scammers use to isolate victims.
- Frequent phone number changes, a tactic used to avoid being traced.
What to do if you get a suspicious call
- Hang up and verify. Call the person back using a trusted number or check with a family member.
- Never share personal info. Avoid giving out bank details, passwords, or Social Security numbers.
- Refuse nontraditional payment methods. No legitimate agency will ask for Bitcoin or gift cards.
- Report it. Contact your local police or the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Also read: Scam alert—why your phone is suddenly getting fake job offers
What happened after
Thanks to the quick action of a concerned neighbor, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office was alerted.
They helped the victim report the incident to the FBI, and receipts from the transactions were collected as evidence.
While the investigation is ongoing, recovering money sent via cryptocurrency is extremely difficult, which is why prevention is so critical.
Also read: 1.8 billion iPhone users warned of fast-growing bank account scam
How to protect yourself and your community
Scams like this often target older adults, but anyone can be at risk. Here are some ways to stay safe and help others:
- Talk about scams openly. Sharing experiences can help others recognize warning signs.
- Create a “safe word.” Families can agree on a code word only they would know, useful in emergencies.
- Stay informed. Follow local news and trusted sources like The GrayVine for updates.
- Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it’s worth slowing down and checking.
And if you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to call your local authorities.
In Deschutes County, residents can contact the Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at (541) 693-6911.
Read next:
- Amazon warns Prime customers of rise in scam attempts: What to know and how to stay safe
- Your phone has a hidden screen that could help you avoid expensive scams—here’s how to find it
- A warning text led to this costly mistake—how one couple lost over $80K in a shocking scam
Have you or someone close to you ever received a suspicious call? Did you spot the red flags, or did something feel off after the fact? Your stories can help others in the community stay one step ahead of scammers. Share your experiences and tips in the comments section—we’d love to hear from you!
