Scam Calls Impersonating Law Enforcement
The Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office reminds community members to stay alert for scam calls from people pretending to be law enforcement officers. Scammers may use the names of actual deputies, supervisors, or other law enforcement personnel to make their calls sound legitimate and convince you to provide money or personal information.
These callers may claim you have an outstanding warrant, missed jury duty, failed to appear in court, or must pay a fine to avoid arrest. They may threaten you, pressure you to act immediately, or instruct you to pay with gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, payment apps, or other unusual methods.
Remember: Scammers can make phone calls appear to come from legitimate phone numbers and may use real employees’ names or titles. Do not assume a call is legitimate simply because the information sounds convincing.
Warning Signs of a Scam
Be cautious if a caller claiming to represent law enforcement:
-Threatens immediate arrest unless you make a payment.
-Demands money to resolve a warrant, missed court appearance, or other legal matter.
-Requests payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or payment apps.
-Pressures you to act immediately or tells you not to discuss the call with anyone.
-Requests your Social Security number, banking information, passwords, or other sensitive personal information.
Refuses to let you independently verify their identity or the claims they are making.
Scams Claiming a Family Member Is in Jail
Scammers may also call pretending to be law enforcement officers, jail staff, attorneys, or other officials and claim that a family member has been arrested or is currently in jail. They may demand immediate payment for bail, bond, court fees, or other expenses to secure the person's release.
In some cases, scammers impersonate the family member or claim the person is in an emergency situation. They may use fear, emotional distress, and urgency to prevent you from verifying the information. They may also instruct you to keep the situation secret or send money through gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or payment apps.
If someone calls claiming a loved one is in jail, take a moment to verify the situation before sending money. But if you cannot verify the caller's claims, do not send money. Contact the appropriate agency directly for reliable information about the person's custody status and any legitimate procedures that may apply.
What Should You Do?
1. Stay calm and do not act on threats. Scammers rely on fear and urgency to pressure people into making mistakes.
2. Do not send money or share personal information. Never provide financial information, passwords, verification codes, or sensitive personal details to an unsolicited caller.
3. Hang up and verify the information independently. If the caller claims to be a Kitsap County Sheriff's Office employee, contact our office using the official phone number published on the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office website. Do not call back using a number provided by the caller or rely on caller ID.
4. Do not engage with the caller. You do not need to remain on the phone, follow their instructions, or allow them to intimidate you.
5. Report the scam. If you believe someone is impersonating law enforcement, contact the appropriate law enforcement agency to report the incident. Preserve voicemails, text messages, phone numbers, and payment information if available.
Already Sent Money or Shared Information?
Contact your bank or payment provider immediately if you sent money or disclosed financial information. If you shared account credentials, change your passwords and secure any affected accounts. You can also report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Help Us Protect Our Community
The Kitsap County Sheriff's Office encourages residents to talk with family members, friends, and neighbors about these scams, particularly those who may be more vulnerable to pressure or intimidation.
When in doubt, hang up and verify. Never let a threatening phone call pressure you into sending money or sharing personal information. Taking a moment to independently verify a caller's identity can help protect you from becoming a victim of fraud.
Office Closure
On Wednesday, November 11, 2026, the Port Orchard and Silverdale offices will be closed to the public for Veterans' Day.
Inclement weather
If the Sheriff's Office is closed due to inclement weather and you have an appointment scheduled for a concealed pistol license, please call us at 360.337.7101 once the office reopens. We will then reschedule an appointment for you.
You can call Kitsap County's "Inclement Weather & Emergency Information" hotline at 360.337.5775 to find out information on office closures or sign up for text and email alerts.
