2 police-related scams circulating in Grant County

MOSES LAKE — Two police-related scams, one of them old and one of them new, are currently circulating in Grant County.

According to Grant County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Kyle Foreman a scam involving an “official” telling people they have a warrant out for their arrest has made its way back to Grant County. The scammer reportedly identifies himself as “Grant County Deputy Alan Martin,” who doesn’t exist, and tells people they can send money to avoid jail.

Foreman says when a person calls the number back they get an answering service saying they have reached the “warrants division,” which does not exist.

“This scam and other versions of it cycle regularly. As we have mentioned before, law enforcement isn't going to call on the phone and ask you for money. If in doubt about who's calling you, call the agency's phone number listed in the phone book or on the agency's web site,” Foreman explained.

In a separate scam, a man claiming to represent the Washington State Patrol and saying he is raising funds for Shop with a Cop has made some scam calls, including one to GCSO public information officer Sharon Palmerton. Foreman says Palmerton asked the scammer several questions, took notes and challenged the person.

“Sharon's connected with the Shop with a Cop program, knew the call was a scam, and notified the WSP. Law enforcement does not solicit donations over the phone. Scammers will try any tactic to separate you from your money, and we think tugging at heartstrings by mentioning Shop with a Cop is extra devious,” Foreman said.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.