Seattle, Washington – Phone and text scammers in King County are impersonating deputies, prompting renewed public warnings.
According to the King County Sheriff’s Office, individuals are allegedly posing as law enforcement officers by phone and text message in an attempt to obtain money or personal information from residents.
Officials said scammers may claim there are outstanding fines, warrants, or enforcement actions and demand immediate payment. The Sheriff’s Office emphasized it will never request money or sensitive information through unsolicited calls or text messages.
Authorities are urging residents not to click on suspicious links, share verification codes, or provide banking details. If unsure whether a contact is legitimate, officials advise hanging up and calling the agency’s official non-emergency number directly.
The warning comes after multiple recent reports from community members who said they were contacted by individuals claiming to be deputies. The Sheriff’s Office did not specify how many residents were targeted but described the activity as ongoing.
Law enforcement agencies nationwide have reported similar impersonation schemes in recent years, often using spoofed phone numbers that appear to come from government offices.
College students, young workers, and new residents may be particularly vulnerable if unfamiliar with local procedures.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted or victimized is encouraged to report the incident to local authorities and avoid further contact with the suspected scammer.
Officials are also asking residents to share the warning with family and friends to help prevent additional victims.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.
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