Your local police department will not text, call or email you with a warning about an arrest warrant. Never. Ever.
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 agency in the world.
So, what should you do? Unless you are expecting some communication with an officer, detective or staffer at your local law enforcement agency - don't engage.
Even If you think it might be legitimate, it's still okay to ignore the call. Simply go online, look up the non-emergency phone number for your local agency and give them a call. If you live in Bothell, you can 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: law enforcement agencies will NEVER call you and demand payment, gift cards or your personal financial information. If you live in Bothell, listen to 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 that is threatening or demanding: Do not respond.
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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