Unknown person posing as county appraiser

EPHRATA — The Grant County Auditor’s Office has received several calls about an unknown person impersonating an appraiser and attempting to get into homes.

The incidents have reportedly occurred in suburban areas south of Ephrata. The auditor’s office says they have appraisers in the field for inspections and state law allows appraisers to access property, but they will never ask to come into a person’s home or buildings.

“All Assessor Office appraisers will be wearing their county employee badge, have business cards on hand, and be driving a county vehicle,” stated the assessor's office. “Usually this vehicle will have the county seal and the word ‘Assessor’ on the side, but occasionally we do need to borrow vehicles from the county motor pool. They all do have government plates.”

Appraisers usually knock on the door, introduce themselves and explain why they are there. County residents are not required to let an appraiser into their home and appraisers will only speak with people to verify information and will inform the property owner if they have to measure outside and will be taking pictures.

For questions or to verify the identity of an appraiser contact the Grant County Assessor's Office at 509-754-2011.