King County, WA – The King County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a new phone scam involving callers impersonating deputies and claiming the person they’ve called has an outstanding warrant.
According to a post from the Sheriff’s Office on Thursday, scammers are pressuring victims to pay supposed “fines” using gift cards — a clear red flag. Officials emphasized that deputies will never call to collect money or threaten arrest over the phone.
“These calls are fraudulent,” the agency said. “If someone claims to be a deputy and demands payment, hang up immediately.”
The Sheriff’s Office urged residents to remain vigilant, spread the word to family and friends, and report any suspicious calls. The post also reminded the public that legitimate law enforcement will never request payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
Anyone who receives a similar call is encouraged to contact the King County Sheriff’s Office directly through official channels or report the incident to local law enforcement.
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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