New warning about phone scams in area, including some callers pretending to be cops



SEATTLE -- They are thieves posing as sheriff’s deputies and they’re harder to spot than you might think. That’s because you never see them.

Just this month, several law enforcement agencies issued warnings to consumers about phone scams.

The predators on the other end of the phone ask for money or personal information.  In some cases, the caller poses as a deputy and asks for money to clear up a warrant or legal issue. The King County Sheriff’s Office says deputies would never call demanding money.

Authorities have also noticed several other telephone scams. Centralia police say someone is claiming to work for Centralia City Light, Lewis County PUD, or Puget Sound Energy. The caller asks for a money order to keep the electric, power, water, or propane turned on.

Some scammers are also posing as Microsoft employees. Clallam County deputies have received several complaints.  The caller states that they can walk them through fixing their computer, but authorities believe it is an attempt to steal personal information.

Authorities say it is  important to ask questions and be suspicious if someone calls asking for money or personal information.