Spokane, WA – The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and Spokane Valley Police are warning residents about a growing scam targeting families of recently arrested individuals. Officials say the scammers are impersonating law enforcement officers and demanding payment for the supposed release of loved ones from jail.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, scammers have been using publicly available arrest information to contact victims, claiming to be employees of the Sheriff’s Office, Detention Services, or Spokane County Pretrial Services. They then instruct victims to pay a fee—often around $1,500—through non-typical payment methods such as cash apps, cryptocurrency, or prepaid cards.
“This is another scam,” the Sheriff’s Office emphasized in a public notice Tuesday, reminding residents that they will never call or text demanding payment. Spokane County only accepts standard forms of payment—cash, checks, or credit and debit cards—made directly to official county offices.
Authorities urge residents to verify any suspicious communication by calling the Sheriff’s Office or local government agency directly using verified contact information.
“If you’re unsure, for any reason, stop and verify,” officials said. “We will never call or text you to demand payment.”
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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