Scams Filter Through Technology
Nearly half of Oregon consumers experienced illegal or unfair treatment in the past year, with scams or fraud topping the list, according to a new survey. About a quarter of respondents reported being impacted by deceptive practices, with Black Oregonians being slightly more likely. Marcus Mundy is with Oregon Consumer Justice, which conducted the survey. He says scammers are focused on the people that are most vulnerable.
“Those who are least able to fight off scams, who are the least educated about the technology or have the least amount of access to computers or sophisticated cell phones, they are the ones being targeted the most.”
According to the Federal Trade Commission, imposter scams – when someone pretends to be someone they are not in order to steal money – are the most common in Oregon. While the percentage of people impacted by scams has remained largely the same since 2024, the data also found over half of respondents were able to recognize a scam before losing money or personal information.
Man Arrested in Gardiner for Hit and Run
A Eugene man wanted in connection with a July hit-and-run was arrested Monday in Gardiner. Douglas County deputies say 47-year-old Dallas Lee Silva ran from officers at a home on Second Street, then barricaded himself inside. After gas was deployed and negotiators made contact, Silva surrendered through a window. He was turned over to Eugene Police detectives.
Firewood Cutting Permits
Siuslaw National Forest firewood cutting permits will be available beginning October 15th. Personal-use permits are free, with households allowed up to six cords of firewood per year. Commercial permits start at 120 dollars for six cords, with additional cords costing 20 dollars each. Permits are required while cutting or transporting firewood and are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Locally, permits are available at the Central Coast Ranger Station in Waldport and the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area office in Reedsport. Officials recommend calling ahead to confirm availability.
COAD Conversation
Community organizations across western Lane County are being invited to help strengthen disaster preparedness and response in the region. The West Lane Community Organizations Active in Disaster, or COAD, will hold its first regional conversation October 14th from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at the Siuslaw Public Library in Florence. The meeting will focus on coordinating local organizations, recruiting volunteer leaders, identifying gaps in emergency resources, and developing community evacuation-practice events. Nonprofits, government agencies, service providers, volunteer groups and neighborhood organizations are encouraged to attend.
