Bothell Police will never text, call or email you with a warning about an arrest warrant. Never. Ever. Not under any circumstances.
If you are ever contacted with a "warning" about an arrest warrant - it is a scam. Delete the text. Hang up the phone. Don't engage in any way.
This scam is just another variation of a very old trick: Trying to scare people into handing over personal information or their hard-earned money. Don't fall for it.
These days, sophisticated scammers can make it look like a call is really coming from a local police department, or your bank, or any company or government institution in the world.
So, what should you do? Unless you're expecting a call from an officer, detective or staffer at Bothell Police - just hang up. If you live in Bothell and you have questions about a call or text you received, call the Bothell Police non-emergency number: 425.486.1254.
Scammers will often tell victims that their local police department is aware of overdue fines, fees or citations and threaten arrest or deportation if a payment isn't made immediately, over the phone. Amazingly, some very convincing scammers even instruct victims to make the payments via gift cards. Victims, of all ages and backgrounds, fall for these unscrupulous fraudsters every day.
Please tell your family, friends and neighbors
: Bothell Police will NEVER call you and demand payment for any reason, at any time. Bothell Police will NEVER instruct you to purchase gift cards to expedite a payment of any kind. Bothell Police will NEVER call you and ask for your financial information. Share this reminder from Bothell Police Dispatchers.
If you get a call like this from anyone: Hang up, immediately. If you get a voicemail or text message like this: Delete it, right away.
Your best defense against fraud and phone scams is knowledge and awareness. Share the information and links with friends, family and neighbors.
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