Restaurants across the Portland region have reported phone calls from an individual claiming to work for the health department. The caller tells the business to pay a fine related to a COVID-19 violation, and asks for a credit card number.
The county does not demand payment for violations by credit card. This is a scam.
If someone claims to be a county health inspector and asks for your credit card information, do not provide it.
Instead, report the call to local and state officials:
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Multnomah County: Email Good Government Hotline Investigator Marc Rose, marc.b.rose@multco.us
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Oregon Department of Justice: Call the Consumer Protection Hotline at 503-378-8442, or fill out a Consumer Complaint.
Avoid calling law enforcement unless you have been the victim of a crime, such as losing money because of a fraud or scam. Dial the non-emergency public safety line at 503-823-3333 to file a report if you have been the victim of a scam.
