Gorge Commission Warns Residents of Text Message Payment Scam

WHITE SALMON, WA— The Columbia River Gorge Commission is issuing an urgent alert to residents living within the National Scenic Area regarding a recent surge in fraudulent text messages.

Residents have reported receiving text messages that appear to be from the Columbia River Gorge Commission demanding immediate payment for alleged fees or permits.

These messages are a scam.

The Columbia River Gorge Commission does not collect fees from the public and never initiates contact with residents via text message to request payments, personal information, or financial data.

How to Protect Yourself

The Commission advises residents to follow these safety protocols if they receive a suspicious message:

• Do Not Respond: Do not click on any links or reply to the message.
• Do Not Provide Information: Never share credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, or bank details via text.
• Delete and Report: Delete the message immediately and use your phone’s built-in “Report Junk” or “Report Spam” feature.

Red Flags of a Scam

Residents should be wary of any communication that:

• Demands immediate payment via untraceable methods (e.g., gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency).
• Uses high-pressure or threatening language.
• Includes links to non-governmental websites (official Commission links will always point to gorgecommission.org).

“Public trust and safety are our priorities,” said Commission Executive Director Krystyna Wolniakowski “We want to ensure that our neighbors in the National Scenic Area are not victimized by these predatory tactics. When in doubt, reach out to our office directly by calling (509) 493-3323 or sending an email to info@gorgecommission.org”