Snohomish County Sheriff Detectives Warn Community About Phone Scams

Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office detectives are warning residents about a rise in phone and text scams that target personal and financial information, resulting in substantial losses for victims. One recent case involved an elderly woman who lost $32,765 after scammers posed as government agencies and tricked her into revealing personal details. Another victim lost $9,000 after being instructed to deposit funds into a bitcoin machine by someone impersonating a fraud representative. The Sheriff’s Office has noted that scammers often operate from out of state or overseas, using untraceable phone numbers. Community members are urged to remain alert and verify unknown callers before sharing any information.

Specific tips include not answering calls from unknown numbers and being cautious of urgency or pressure tactics used by scammers. The Sheriff’s Office highlights that law enforcement will never demand money over the phone, and residents should report any suspicious activity. Engaging with robocalls or providing personal information can result in significant financial losses, making vigilance essential.