PORT ANGELES — Authorities are warning residents after three older adults in Sequim and Port Angeles lost more than $1 million in impersonation scams early this year.
In February, a 70-year-old Sequim woman was tricked into believing she was under federal investigation. Scammers posing as Amazon employees and FTC agents convinced her to deliver $125,000 in cash to a fake federal agent. Two suspects, 35-year-old Alla Mashkova of Tacoma and 39-year-old Pralay Kumar Kar of Bothell, were arrested and charged.
A 67-year-old Port Angeles woman lost $100,000 after scammers accessed her personal information and posed as federal agents. Her family eventually intervened.
In the costliest case, an 80-year-old Sequim man was persuaded to buy $862,000 in gold bars for scammers who claimed he was being investigated for drug and financial crimes.
Clallam County Sheriff Brian King says there are a lot of scams going on right now. Particularly many that are scammer impersonating law enforcement.
“There are scams coming from all directions right now—whether it’s online or, more often, through phone calls. These callers can be very aggressive. It’s important to remember: law enforcement does not solicit money from you, especially not to get out of jail. Nor do any other federal agencies. We will not ask for money—our system doesn’t allow for that. Now, if you’re arrested and go before a judge, and there’s a bond or fine associated with a conviction, that’s a different matter. But people calling you and asking for money over the phone—those are nothing but scams,” said King.
Officials urge the public to verify suspicious calls and avoid sharing information.