SCAM ALERT: King County Sheriff’s Office warns of Grinch-like phone scammers targeting residents

The King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) this week issued a warning to residents about a surge in fraudulent phone calls from Grinches impersonating law enforcement officers.

These scammers falsely claim that recipients have warrants for their arrest due to missed jury duty or unpaid taxes, attempting to extort money or personal information.

According to KCSO, the scammers use caller ID spoofing to make it appear as though the calls are originating from official Sheriff’s Office numbers. They often provide the names of actual KCSO officers or use fictitious titles to enhance their credibility.

The callers employ high-pressure tactics, creating a sense of urgency to persuade victims to purchase cash cards from retailers like Walmart or Target and relay the card’s PIN, enabling immediate transfer of funds to the scammers’ accounts.

KCSO emphasizes that it does not solicit funds over the phone under any circumstances. Government agencies will never demand payment via cash cards or request personal information through unsolicited calls. Residents are advised to terminate such calls immediately and contact the Sheriff’s Office directly if they have concerns about the legitimacy of any communication.

Another tactic is that scammers say they are a sheriff’s deputy working in association with the Social Security Office, or they are calling about nonpayment of back taxes. 

“These are all SCAMs!”

Victims of these scams are encouraged to report the incidents to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through their website at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FTC’s platform provides guidance on next steps and helps authorities track and address fraudulent activities.

KCSO is collaborating with the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the Washington State Patrol to investigate these scams. Residents are reminded to remain vigilant, safeguard their personal information, and be skeptical of unsolicited calls demanding immediate payment or sensitive data.

Key Points:

• Scam Tactics: Impersonation of law enforcement, claims of arrest warrants for missed jury duty or unpaid taxes, demands for payment via cash cards.
• Official Stance: KCSO does not solicit funds over the phone; government agencies will not request payment through cash cards.
• Protective Measures: Do not provide personal information or payment to unsolicited callers; verify claims by contacting official agencies directly.
• Reporting Scams: Report incidents to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

For more information and updates, residents can visit the King County Sheriff’s Office official website here.