The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington is warning residents to be wary of scammers “spoofing” the office’s phone number to try and obtain money or personally identifying information.
The office reports an increase in fraudulent calls where the caller poses as a “justice department investigator” demanding money for “attorney fees” to resolve a case, according to a press release.
In some cases, the scammers have had personally identifiable information on the victim or have reviewed the victim’s social media posts for information.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office staff will never ask for money or personally identifying information over the phone,” reads a press release.
Law enforcement defines this type of scam as “government impersonation fraud,” according to the press release. “Scammers are becoming more sophisticated and organized in their approach, are technologically savvy, and often target young persons and the elderly.”
Washington residents are reminded not to give out their personal information, including banking information and Social Security numbers, over the phone to individuals they don’t know.
Anyone who believes they were the victim or any other online scam are asked to report it online at www.ic3.gov.
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