PORT ANGELES – Local law enforcement are warning of a new scam in our area.
This week Port Angeles police took a report of the phone scam in which the victim lost $5,000.
Here is how it works: The scammer calls you on your phone. They identify themselves as being local police. They know at least a little bit about you and share that with you to try and legitimize the call, then they explain that you received a subpoena, signed by a local judge, you missed the court date, and for that reason, there has been a warrant issued for your arrest.
The scammer says you can quash your warrant by paying your fines. But because of the pandemic, the process involves you purchase gift cards. You then call them back with the numbers and they’ll verify them with the Treasury Department and release your fines.
Police say the scammers are pushy and convincing. In the latest case, the scammer even made their caller ID look like it was the Forks Police Department that called.
If you receive a call like this, hang up and call your local police.