Authorities Alert Residents About Sheriff Scam Calls

It's another SCAM Alert to be aware of. While this one is targeting residents of Kitsap County, ALL Sheriff's Offices in Washington State have the SAME message.

Real Deputies Will NEVER Call You Demanding Cash

It just doesn't happen. Anyone in law enforcement will NEVER call you demanding cash, electronic transfers, or retail gift cards.

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The Kitsap County Sheriff's Department is tracking a surge of resdients reporting fraudsters calling citizens pretending to be Deputies with the Sheriff's Office. According to the Sheriff's Office, the Scammers use the following tactcs:

Fake Urgency - Callers demand IMMEDIATE payment to clear an outstanding legal issue. If you pay NOW, it'll be taken care of.

Common Situations - The Deputy claims you missed jury duty, have an unpaid fine, or, have an active warrant for your arrest.

Spoofed Numbers - Real Names - Scammers use an official phone number that aoppears to be legitimate. They also use names of activce deputies to trick victims.

Payment Demands - The scammer will instruct you to pay using Bitcoin, gift cards, wire transders, or digital currency.

What You Need to Know and Do About These SCAM Calls

• Legitimate law enforcement will not threaten you with immediate arrest over the phone for a missed fine.
• Hang up. Disconnect immediately if a caller demands money.
• Never give out financial or personal information.
• Report the incident - Document the incident online through the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office Reporting Portal.

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