Law enforcement impersonation scams trigger Kitsap County fraud advisory

The Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) has issued a fraud advisory warning the public about law enforcement impersonation scams.

The sheriff’s office emphasized that legitimate local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, court officials, and jail personnel will never call or text to demand payment.

According to the KCSO, legitimate government agencies do not handle legal matters, warrants, fines, bail, or jury duty violations over the phone or via text message.

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The sheriff’s office outlined several payment methods that serve as immediate red flags for fraud. Any demand to resolve a legal matter using gift cards from retailers such as Apple or Google Play, cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin or crypto ATMs, payment apps including Venmo, Zelle, Cash App, and PayPal, or wire transfers and cash couriers is a scam.

Officials cautioned residents not to rely on caller ID display names or numbers, noting that scammers easily fake or spoof official police phone numbers. They say to hang up immediately if a caller threatens arrest or demands money and warn never to share personal information, banking details, or sensitive security codes.

To verify whether a law enforcement inquiry is legitimate, the sheriff’s office advises hanging up and calling the local agency directly using a verified, publicly listed phone number.