Cowlitz County, WA – The Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents to stay alert after a rise in phone scams involving callers posing as sheriff’s deputies.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, suspects have recently impersonated actual deputies, including one caller who claimed to be “Deputy Dustin Curtis” — while the real deputy was in the same building at the time. In another case, a scammer posed as “Sergeant Trevor Wolff.”
Officials say these scammers often demand immediate payment for alleged fines, warrants, or traffic violations, sometimes requesting unconventional payment methods such as Bitcoin, Green Dot cards, or Apple Store cards.
Chief Criminal Deputy Troy Brightbill emphasized that no legitimate law enforcement officer will ever collect payments over the phone or request gift cards or cryptocurrency. Residents are urged to hang up immediately if they receive such a call and report the incident using the verified non-emergency number for their local agency.
Authorities note that many victims are elderly and may not use social media, making community awareness crucial. The Sheriff’s Office is asking residents to share the warning with friends, family, and neighbors to prevent further scams.
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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