Snohomish County, Washington – A scam targeting contacts of jail inmates is prompting warnings from the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office.
According to a statement posted by the Sheriff’s Office, scammers are using the Snohomish County Jail Inmate Registry to identify individuals currently in custody and then contacting people connected to them. The callers allegedly claim the recipient has been listed as a contact for bail and request money to secure release.
Officials say the callers may sound legitimate, sometimes using the real names and ranks of deputies from Corrections or Patrol. Victims are then directed to send money through apps such as Zelle.
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that this is a scam and that deputies will never call to request bail payments or ask for money through payment apps. Authorities urge anyone who receives such a call to hang up immediately and avoid clicking any payment links or sending funds.
The warning highlights how publicly available records, like inmate registries, can be exploited to make scams appear more credible. Officials are encouraging residents to share the alert with friends, coworkers, and family members to reduce the risk of additional victims.
While no specific losses were detailed in the post, scams involving impersonation and digital payment platforms have been increasing nationwide, often targeting people during high-stress situations.
The alert may be especially relevant to young workers and residents who frequently use peer-to-peer payment apps, which scammers often prefer due to limited recovery options.
Authorities say anyone unsure about a call should contact the Sheriff’s Office directly using official channels.
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