September 14, 2020 11:10 a.m. 

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners are addressing alleged price gouging and insurance scams.

A release claims those involved are targeting residents and evacuees that have been directly affected by the recent local wildfires. Commissioners are asking for help in identifying and reporting those individuals and business involved in what the release called “…fraudulent and unethical activities”. Citizens can report insurance scams to the Douglas County Sheriff’s office at 440-4471. Price gouging scams can be reported directly to the Oregon Department of Justice and the Oregon Attorney General’s Office at 503-378-8442 or by completing an online form.

Commissioner Tom Kress said, “…we are not going to stand by and watch a few despicable individuals and businesses steal from those that have already been devastated by the recent fires”. He said that fraudulent behavior, “…will not be tolerated”. Kress said those caught engaging in the activities will be reported and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.