WENATCHEE — The Washington State Patrol reports that, recently, the WSP has received phone calls from the public indicating they have been contacted by the agency when that wasn’t the case.

The phone calls appear to be from individuals attempting to scam the public for money. The caller was requesting monetary payments for bail or legal costs for a family member or friend that has been arrested.

The scammers identify themselves as a high ranking members of the WSP, in one case a Captain. A scammer requested that the answering party go to Target and purchase an iTunes card so the cash could be used for “pre-trial payments.”

The WSP said it does not call anyone and ask them to make purchases or send payments on behalf of anyone being detained or booked into jail.

The WSP wants to warn the public to be leery of any calls from anyone soliciting money for the agency or asking for credit card numbers or personal financial information over the phone.

If you suspect it is scam, hang up and contact one of the local WSP district offices. Complaints of scams can also be filed with the Federal Trade Commission.