At least 10 confused Western Washington residents have called Seattle Police today after receiving calls asking for money, which appear to be coming from the SPD non-emergency line.
These calls which appear on caller ID’s as 206-625-5011 are the result of caller ID fraud, or “spoofing,” and are not coming from SPD’s 911 communications center.
The fraudsters, while claiming to be from the city, are using several different ruses attempting to bilk the victims of money. Suspects are using ploys ranging from simply asking for money to implying the victims owe taxes or have outstanding fines.
If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, please hang up and call the Seattle Police at 206-625-5011.
The 911 Communications Center is researching the origin of the calls and is referring the case to detectives for investigation.