Bend Police are alerting the public to two types of scams that have recently defrauded local businesses of more than $400,000.

In the first, the scammer reaches out to local businesses and nonprofits posing as a known vendor or contractor. The person then sends the target an invoice or payment request, and the business unwittingly delivers the funds. This scheme may use a hacked email address or an address very similar to the vendor’s real email address.

This scam dates back to 2022, and is very hard to trace, Sheila Miller, spokesperson for the Bend Police Department, said in a news release. She added that the department believes there are more victims who have not reported the theft to law enforcement.

The second scam Miller warned about is when a person calls a local business or person pretending to be a manager, company owner or some other position of authority. The target is then directed to remove money from an account and place those funds in a bitcoin account.

So far in 2024, the Bend Police Department has had 361 reports of scams and fraud attempts, said Miller. It’s an increase over the last few years.

To avoid being a victim, remember that law enforcement, federal agencies and banks will never email demanding a money transfer as part of an investigation or ask for funds to be exchanged in bitcoin, gift cards or other virtual monies.

Never distribute your personal information, such as bank account or Social Security numbers. If someone in authority asks for this information, reach out to confirm the person’s identity using another verified form of contact.