The Snohomish Police Department
has issued a warning about a new scam that claims that there is a problem with
your immigration status.
City of Snohomish citizens have received
a phone call from an individual who identified himself as Jeff Marten from “U.S.
Legal Support.” Caller ID showed the call came from the Snohomish Police
Department. Marten claimed that issues
have come up concerning the immigration status of the person answering the
phone. Marten warned that police would become involved in the case soon. He
offered to fix the problem for a fee.
This scam tries to take advantage
of the anxiousness that some people may have due to the controversial changes
to enforcing immigration laws being talked about at the federal government. Immigrants,
no matter their status, and the elderly are prime targets for scammers like
this.
Snohomish Police Chief John Flood
called the call back number, given to him by one of the citizens who received
the scammer’s phone call. A man answered, gave him the same song and dance then
asked for a debit or prepaid cash card. The man hung up when the chief identified
himself.
This scam follows an old pattern.
The caller tries to scare you into taking action, that is pay the caller money
to fix your supposed problem. The scammer asks, or sometimes demands, that you
purchase a pre-paid cash card (which cannot be traced) and give him the card
number. If you do not, you will be arrested.
The City of Snohomish stated that
the Police Department will not threaten arrest based on your citizenship
status.
Scammers often impersonate people
in authority. Some recent impersonation scams that have been reported include
the IRS scam, warrant/jury duty scam, utility fee scams and the tech support
scam.
If you receive a call from a
scammer, the best thing you can do is to hang up. Also, let your local police
department or the Sheriff’s Office know about the call through the
non-emergency number, (425) 407-3999.
Also, let your friends, family,
and neighbors know about this scam, especially if they are elderly or are
immigrants.
The Herald:
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