Residents in Columbia County are being warned about a series of fraudulent phone calls in which scammers pose as officials from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office. According to reporting by Classic Hits 100.7 KLOG, callers have been impersonating Sheriff Brian Pixley or other department personnel and threatening targets with arrest or fines unless immediate payment is made.

KLOG reports that the Sheriff’s Office has confirmed these calls are scams and emphasized that it will never request payment of any kind over the phone or online. The fraudulent calls mirror similar schemes seen in counties across the region, where scammers use fear and urgency to extract money or personal information. In recent months, law enforcement agencies nationwide—including county sheriffs in Washington and Oregon—have reported escalating cases of spoofed caller ID, threats related to fabricated warrants, and demands for payment through untraceable methods.

The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone who receives such a call to hang up immediately and avoid providing any personal or financial information. Individuals who believe they may have been targeted are advised to contact Columbia County’s non‑emergency dispatch at (503) 397‑1521, as reported by KLOG. Local residents in the Lower Columbia region, including neighboring Cowlitz County, are encouraged to stay alert, as similar scams often cross county and state lines.

Why this matters

Phone‑based impersonation scams have become increasingly common in rural and small‑county jurisdictions, where official‑sounding calls may feel credible and community familiarity is often exploited. When scammers invoke the authority of local law enforcement, the risk to residents—particularly seniors—increases. Public awareness and prompt reporting help agencies track patterns and protect vulnerable community members.

Sources

Classic Hits 100.7 KLOG: Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Scam—Classic Hits 100.7 KLOG News