The Kent Police Department has issued a public warning after a local resident was targeted in a sophisticated phone scam involving impersonation of law enforcement.
According to police, the victim received a call from a suspect claiming to be a police officer based in India. The caller instructed the victim to continue the conversation via WhatsApp and falsely claimed the victim was involved in criminal fraud in India. To appear legitimate, the scammer sent a photo of an ID card and repeatedly demanded money.
Kent Police said the victim did not send any money, and the call was ultimately intercepted before further harm occurred. Investigators noted the phone number used in the scam appeared to originate from an American number.
Police report that similar scams are increasing nationwide. In many cases, scammers threaten victims with fake “digital arrests,” which authorities emphasize are not real. Law enforcement agencies do not conduct arrests, collect fines, or request payments over the phone or online.
Officials urge residents to be cautious of calls involving:
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Urgent threats or scare tactics
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Requests for money via wire transfer, Zelle, Venmo, gift cards, or cryptocurrency
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Demands for sensitive information such as Social Security numbers or ID documents
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Instructions to download software, click suspicious links, or allow remote access
Kent Police stress that residents should never engage with callers making such requests. Anyone unsure about a call’s legitimacy should hang up and directly contact the relevant institution using a verified phone number.
Victims or potential victims of scams are encouraged to file a police report. Internet scam complaints can also be submitted to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), and identity theft recovery resources are available through the Washington State Attorney General’s Office.
Authorities remind the public that awareness and quick action are the best defenses against phone and online fraud.