911 PHONE SCAM ALERT
Community News
Contributed by :King County Sheriff Office
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The Washington State Department of Emergency Management warns
that some residents of Washington have reported receiving calls requesting money
for 911 services. The caller falsely claims that residents must pay a fee to
register their home in a 911 database so that first responders can locate the
home in an emergency.
The caller may also request the names and medical information of the residents.
This is a scam that has been perpetrated on residents of Michigan and
Pennsylvania as well. 911 emergency services are funded through dedicated 911
excise taxes on telephone bills and by other local government funds. Any request
for 911 funds is a fraud.
http://cowlitzcountydem.blogspot.com
http://www.sentinel-standard.com/newsnow/x1644240763/Warning-Telephonesolicitation-scam-for-9-1-1-funding
http://www.naedjournal.org/content/9-1-1-scams-keep-coming
Personal Safety and Crime Prevention:
Never give out personal, medical or banking information to callers on the phone
Hang up when you receive an unsolicited call requesting money and/or personal information.
There is no need to pay to be entered in any 911 database - to make sure first responders can locate you, make sure your address is clearly marked and visible. Whenever possible, send someone out to meet first responders and guide them to the emergency location.
How You Can Help:
Scammers can change (spoof) the caller ID - it may display "911" - to make
their call appear legitimate and may even claim to be law enforcement. If you
are unsure about any caller, get as much information about the caller as
possible (name, company, address, phone numbers, etc) and report it via the
non-emergency line (206-296-3311) or as a suspicious circumstance
via http://www.kingcounty.gov/safety/sheriff/ReportToSheriff.aspx
Website: www.kingcounty.gov/safety/sheriff/Safety.aspx
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