SNOHOMISH — A new phone scam has hit Snohomish. This time, the caller warns people that there is an issue with their citizenship.
“It’s just another twist these people are putting on the fears in the community,” Snohomish Police Chief John Flood said.
The city sent out a notice in a recent newsletter after the police department received two similar reports of the scam.
A man who identified himself as Jeff Marten called, claiming to be from U.S. Legal Support. The caller I.D. listed the main line for the Snohomish Police Department.
It’s not the only scam targeting folks in the region, especially older people. An 82-year-old man and his wife in the Cathcart area lost thousands last month in a phone-based ruse involving computer software, bank transfers and gift cards.
In the citizenship scam, the man who identified himself as Marten reportedly said concerns had been raised about the person’s immigration status. There was a ticking clock before police became involved, he told them. He even provided a fake case number: D 742936.
Marten offered to resolve the problem for a fee.
One of the people who reported the scam jotted down a call back number: 844-298-6928. Flood dialed the number and a man answered. He gave the police chief the same rundown, asking for a debit or prepaid cash card. When Flood identified himself, the man hung up.
“There was a very poor connection,” Flood said. “I assume this was an out-of-the-country phone conversation.”
The city assured that the Snohomish Police Department will not call and threaten an arrest based on citizenship status.
“We want people to be aware, especially now with so many people feeling anxious about their citizenship,” Flood said.
Flood said this is a variation of the same old trick.
Last year, people in town reported receiving calls saying a relative was in jail and needed money for bail immediately. Prior to that, a caller would identify himself as a police officer and threaten people with a warrant for their arrest. Others falsely have been told they have to pay money for missing jury duty.
Ralph Weiss, 82, rarely answers the phone any more at his home between Snohomish and Everett. On Feb. 4, he was told he was owed a rebate for $200 related to software on his computer. Weiss was tricked into providing personal information, including his bank account number. The rebate was deposited for a larger amount, and Weiss was told to buy gift cards to make up the balance. He then provided the scammer the information needed to redeem the gift cards. After a few days, his bank told him the activity looked suspicious. He and his wife both lost savings. Their computer also was compromised beyond repair.
There wasn’t much the police could do. Now, a family member is working on a fundraiser for the couple. Weiss warned others not to share information with strangers on the phone. He screens his calls even more now.
Flood, the police chief, has a similar message.
“If you ever question the validity of a call from law enforcement, take down the number and call the non-emergency number,” Flood said. “We’d be happy to tell you if that’s true or not.”
The non-emergency number for Snohomish police and the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office is 425-407-3999.
Caitlin Tompkins: 425-339-3192; ctompkins@heraldnet.com.
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