BOTHELL, Wash. — Police are looking for victims of a man believed to be responsible for fraudulent door to door sales in Bothell and Everett.
Quick Facts:
- Joshua Evan Smith wanted in magazine sales scam
- Working in Bothell and Everett
- Being investigated by other agencies for similar scams
- Most recently seen in Bothell on Aug. 30
Last month, officers were alerted that Joshua Evan Smith, a 25-year-old man, was reported to have told a victim in Bothell that he was selling magazines to raise money for a soccer team and the magazines would be given to troops overseas.
He reportedly told two other victims in Bothell he was selling raffle tickets for season tickets to the Seahawks. When Smith learned a citizen was calling 911, he ran away.
Bothell police said they have probable cause to arrest Smith on charges of first-degree criminal impersonation with intent to defraud and forgery.
Detectives say Smith is being investigated by other agencies for similar scams, sometimes targeting the elderly.
His most recent sightings in Bothell were over the weekend of August 30. Smith has an arrest warrant issued by the Wood Dale Police Department in Illinois for failure to appear on a burglary charge.
Mr. Smith is described as white, 6 feet 5 inches tall, 190 pounds, with blue eyes and blond hair.
Financial crimes detectives also say Smith has also been working the scam in the Everett area.
Bothell detectives are asking for anyone who has given money to Smith within the City of Bothell during the past few weeks under similar circumstances to contact them at 425-486-1254 and refer to Case #15-17066.
Anyone who sees Smith should not confront him and should call 911.
Police remind residents that they should never allow solicitors into their homes under any circumstances. Legitimate sales representatives can easily show their products from a porch and won’t care to enter into one’s home as they are focused on the sale and not getting into the house.
The City of Bothell has an ordinance that requires most solicitors to obtain a business license prior to engaging in door-to-door sales. If a solicitor comes to your door, ask to see the license. If they are not able to provide this, report the activity to the Bothell Police Department as soon as possible.
KIRO
