News

Recent spike in scam calls claims hundreds of thousands of dollars from community members

Recent spike in scam calls claims hundreds of thousands of dollars from community members

Photo: Saga Communications/Dave Walker


WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A recent spike in scam calls has robbed community members of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

That’s according to What-Comm 911 Dispatch, which says it’s had a major influx of scam victims call in over the past few days.

Th elaborate scams include the phone number showing up as the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office caller ID, with scammers using the names of actual law enforcement officers.

Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Deb Slater adds that the scammers are now using real names from jail bookings to target family and friends with the false promise of releasing their loved ones from jail.

Anyone who receives a suspected scam call should immediately hang up and contact the law enforcement agency in question.

The Sheriff’s Office reiterates that it will never call you to demand money, gift cards, bitcoin or threaten you with arrest.

Recent Headlines

13 hours ago in National, Trending

US employers added a surprisingly strong 178,000 jobs last month, rebounding from a weak February

American employers added a surprisingly strong 178,000 new jobs last month, rebounding from a dismal February. And the unemployment...

13 hours ago in National, Trending

The Latest: US and Israel are trying to rescue fighter jet crew in Iran, Israeli source says

The U.S. military launched a rescue operation Friday after Iranian state media reported that an American fighter jet went down and at least...

1 day ago in Community Events, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Lookout

Lifestyle Lookout: Easter events in Bellingham and surrounding areas this weekend

From Bellis Fair Mall to Mt. Baker to downtown Bellingham, check out these Easter weekend events.

2 days ago in Entertainment, National, Trending

The Latest: Artemis II fully fueled for NASA’s historic return to the moon

NASA's launch team has loaded more than 700,000 gallons of fuel into the 32-story Space Launch System rocket, setting the stage for the Artemis II mission crew members to board...

2 days ago in Entertainment, Music

Megan Thee Stallion takes 2 Broadway shows off after illness during ‘Moulin Rouge!’

Megan Thee Stallion was rushed to the hospital after "feeling very ill" while onstage on Broadway in "Moulin Rouge! The Musical." She later took to social media to explain...