The Edmonds Police Department is warning residents about a rise in phone and online scams that often target seniors and can lead to significant financial losses.
Police say these scammers commonly pretend to be law enforcement officers, government officials, or bank representatives. Victims may receive phone calls, texts, emails, or pop-up messages claiming they are connected to a criminal investigation and could face arrest.
The scammers often tell victims their phones are being monitored and that bank employees cannot be trusted. They may pressure people to keep the situation secret and stay on the phone for hours.
According to police, scammers frequently ask victims to:
- Wire money
- Buy gift cards and provide the card numbers
- Purchase cryptocurrency through Bitcoin ATMs
- Hand over cash or valuables to a supposed courier
Edmonds police emphasized that legitimate law enforcement agencies will never demand money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. Police also said real investigations do not require people to keep information from family members, friends, or banks.
Residents are urged not to click on suspicious links and to avoid calling phone numbers provided in unsolicited messages. Anyone who receives a suspicious call should hang up and contact local law enforcement or a trusted family member.
Police encourage community members to share the warning with seniors, relatives, neighbors, and others who may be vulnerable to scams. Anyone who believes they have been targeted is urged to report it immediately.
©2026 Cox Media Group
