SCAM UPDATE – Scammers Pretend to be Local Law Enforcement and Court Officials

Scammers pretend to be someone else to gain credibility. If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be a police officer or someone from a local court, that gets your attention.

Scammers Spoof WSP. On April 25^th, the Washington State Patrol (WSP) issued a press release warning Washington State citizens of scammers using “spoofed” WSP phone numbers to fool citizens into giving the callers their personal information. The scammers identify themselves as an officer, trooper, or detective from WSP telling the citizen that their ID was used in a crime being investigated in another state or country. They ask for personal information for “verification” purposes. If challenged that they are legitimate, the scammers refer to the number on Caller ID and tell the citizen to Google it. The scammers also provide a fake case number if requested.

WSP emphasizes that if they call you, they will not ask for your personal or financial information. If you received a phone call claiming to be from WSP asking for your personal information HANG UP!

Jury Duty Scam in Snohomish County. Scammers often use the jury duty scam to collect money. The Snohomish County Superior Court and the Superior Court Clerk’s Office says that they have been receiving reports of the jury duty scam in the county.

Typically, a citizen receives a phone call or email claiming that they missed jury duty, and that they need to pay a fine for not showing up. The caller will say that they will take payment in gift cards.

The Lynnwood Times quotes the Snohomish County Superior Couth Administrator as saying, “We want to warn the public about this scam and let people know that no one involved in the jury process would ever call to ask for money in connection with jury service.”

The court encourages anyone who receives a suspicious call or e-email that requests money to contact your local police department or sheriff’s office. If you have questions about jury service, call the Superior Court Jury Administration at 425-388-3397.

 

Washington State Patrol:

https://www.wsp.wa.gov/2023/04/26/wsp-phone-numbers-used-in-id-scam/

 

Lynnwood Times:

https://lynnwoodtimes.com/2023/04/24/scams-snohomish-county-230424/

 

SCAMS – Words Matter: Blame Fraud on Criminals, Not Victims

Losing money to a scammer causes trauma for the victim. Not only have they lost money, but victims also lose self-esteem. Scammers know how to manipulate people even when they know signs of a scam.  Scammers try to get their victims emotional to get them to act without thinking, or to act even when they know better.

A recent episode of AARP’s “The Perfect Scam” discusses some of the psychology of scams and makes recommendations on how to treat a family member or friend who has been victimized.

Bottom line is don’t blame the victim. Listen to your loved one and be supportive, they already feel bad about what has happened. Also, encourage them to report the scam. Reporting the scam to authorities can help with the victim’s recovery, even if they cannot recover any funds.

Places to report include,

·         Your local police department

·         The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center- www.ic3.gov

·         Federal Trade Commission- https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/

Sometimes victims or families of potential victims may not know what actions to take. AARP has its Fraud Watch Network that gives information about scams and how they work. It also has a Fraud Watch helpline that you can call to talk to a trained and experienced volunteer who can talk to you about your situation. You do not have to be old or a member to call. The phone number is 877-908-3360.

To listen to the 40 minute episode go to https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2023/victim-blaming.html.

 

AARP Fraud Watch Network:

https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/?Intcmp=AE-FRDSC-ABT-FRC#01/

 

NALOXONE – Where to get this Life Saving Treatment

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval to allow pharmacies to sell Naloxone (also known as Narcan) without a prescription encourages the distribution of this essential opioid treatment.

The state of Washington already has a program to encourage distribution of Naloxone. The state of Washington had a standing order to pharmacists to dispense Naloxone to anyone who might be at risk of an overdose or to family, friends, or others who are around people at risk of an opioid overdose.

Anyone can purchase Naloxone from a pharmacy without a prescription. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) recommends calling ahead to ensure that the pharmacy has Naloxone in stock. DOH has a program for distribution of free Naloxone via mail order to people who cannot easily go to a community organization or a pharmacy. DOH also has a web page that can help you find naloxone from social service entities.

For more information about locating naloxone check out the following web sites,

 

Washington State Department of Health:

https://stopoverdose.org/find-naloxone-near-me-washington-state/

https://stopoverdose.org/

 

Snohomish Overdose Prevention:

https://snohomishoverdoseprevention.com/

 

Seattle Times:

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/what-to-know-about-narcan-the-overdose-reversal-drug-with-fda-approval/