Everett officer catches phone scammer in the act, goes viral on TikTok

A viral TikTok video featuring Everett officer Curtis Bafus has drawn attention after he successfully intervened in a phone scam aimed at an elderly woman. The woman, who had been receiving persistent scam calls demanding $27,000, was brought to the police department by a concerned taxi driver. During the call, Bafus confronted the scammer, who was impersonating a police officer, and refused to connect him to the Deputy Chief. The video has been viewed over 1. 5 million times, highlighting the vital role of local law enforcement in protecting vulnerable individuals from scams.

Chief John DeRousse mentioned that the video may be years old, prompting questions about its resurgence on social media. This incident serves as a reminder of the need for public awareness and vigilance against scams targeting the elderly, emphasizing the importance of education and proactive measures in safeguarding the community.