Seattle, WA – Residents across King County are being warned to ignore phone calls claiming they have an arrest warrant, as officials say a new wave of scam calls is targeting local phone numbers this week.
According to the King County Sheriff’s Office, scammers are impersonating sheriff’s deputies and falsely telling residents that a warrant has been issued for their arrest—often claiming the issue involves missed jury duty or unpaid taxes. The callers then pressure victims to make immediate payments to avoid arrest.
Officials say the calls may appear legitimate at first glance. In several reported cases, scammers manipulated caller ID systems to display what looks like a valid King County Sheriff’s Office phone number, making the scam more convincing.
The Sheriff’s Office stressed that law enforcement will never call residents to inform them of an arrest warrant, nor will deputies request payment over the phone, through gift cards, wire transfers, or electronic payment apps.
Authorities say some callers claim to be working with the Social Security Administration or other government agencies, adding another layer of urgency and fear to the scam. These tactics are designed to pressure victims into acting quickly without verifying the information.
Residents who receive such calls are urged to hang up immediately and not provide personal or financial information. Anyone concerned about a legitimate legal matter should contact the King County Sheriff’s Office directly using an official phone number listed on its website—not one provided by the caller.
Scam victims or those who receive suspicious calls are encouraged to report the incident to local law enforcement and the Washington State Office of the Attorney General.
Officials say awareness is the best defense, urging residents to share the warning with family members, especially older adults who are often targeted in these 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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