FBI Warns Public to Beware of Scammers Who are Impersonating Government Officials

The FBI Portland Division has seen an increase in reports of scammers falsely representing themselves as FBI agents or a representative of another government agency and sending couriers to pick up cash or gold payments. Be advised, federal agencies do not call or e-mail individuals threatening arrest or demanding money. Scammers often spoof caller ID information and these calls are fraudulent even if they appear to be coming from an agency's legitimate phone number. Recipients should hang up immediately and report the call. There are many versions of the government impersonation scam and they all exploit intimidation tactics. Typically, scammers will use an urgent and aggressive tone, refusing to speak to or leave a message with anyone other than their targeted victim. They will also urge victims not to tell anyone else including family, friends or financial institutions about what is occurring. Payment is demanded in various forms. In this newest version of the scam, victims are ordered to withdraw money as either cash or gold and give it to a courier who arrives at their home. Other tactics include prepaid cards, wire transfers, and cash sent by mail or inserted into cryptocurrency ATMs. Victims are asked to read prepaid card numbers over the phone or text a picture of the card. If you think you are a victim of this or any other online scam, file a report with your local law enforcement agency and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at "ic3.gov." ...Read more

GP Police & Firefighters Logged Another Active Week of Community Protection

Grants Pass police officers and firefighters logged an active week of community protection. According to the Weekly Report filed by Grants Pass City Manager Aaron Cubic, police officers responded to a total of 659 calls for service along with 307 officer-initiated calls last week which resulted in 55 arrests, 26 citations, 43 warnings and 11 highly-intoxicated people being lodged at the Sobering Center. Cubic also reported that officers conducted a total of 53 traffic stops in the city and they made 19 referrals to the Oregon Department of Human Services. The GPPD Community Response Team (CRT) made a total of 100 contacts with potential troublemakers while arresting six people, citing five more and warning 22 others. The CRT unit also trespassed three individuals from homes and businesses. Grants Pass Fire & Rescue responded to a total of 108 calls last week including 61 for emergency medical service, four for fires or smoke, 19 lift assists, five rescue situations, three assists to other agencies and 11 false alarms. The Grants Pass 9-1-1 Communications Center fielded a total of 1,056 emergency calls in addition to 718 calls for non-emergency service. ...Read more

Grants Pass School District's Adult Community Transition Program Moves to GPFLEX

The Adult Community Transition (ACT) Program for the Grants Pass School District has relocated from Grants Pass High School to a new building on the campus of GPFLEX. This move marks a significant milepost in providing an environment for young adults with disabilities to develop essential life skills and continue their journey toward independence. ACT programs serve young adults age 18-21. They are typically housed off-campus to allow participants who have completed high school to move into a space that fosters their growth into adulthood. The new facility at GPFLEX does exactly that, providing a home-like atmosphere where young adults can practice real-world skills. This facility includes a fully-equipped kitchen, a washer and dryer, an ADA-compliant bathroom with a shower, and comfortable living spaces featuring couches, recliners and personalized décor to make the space feel like home. The ACT program's mission is to empower young adults with disabilities by offering them real-world experiences that build life skills. ...Read more