Tuesday, July 15, 2025
53.0°F

2 police-related scams circulating in Grant County

Richard Byrd | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 7 years, 8 months AGO
by Richard Byrd
| November 7, 2017 2:00 AM

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.

ARTICLES BY RICHARD BYRD

Manweller details committee issues
December 29, 2014 5 a.m.

Manweller details committee issues

OLYMPIA - Rep. Matt Manweller was recently named to the House Finance Committee for the upcoming 2015 legislative session.

Sheriff's office gives metal theft prevention tips
December 3, 2014 5 a.m.

Sheriff's office gives metal theft prevention tips

EPHRATA - The Grant County Sheriff's Office wants to remind county residents how to prevent and deter metal theft.

Tom Dent decisively leading in 13th District
November 6, 2014 5 a.m.

Tom Dent decisively leading in 13th District

MOSES LAKE - Former chair of the Grant County Republican Party Tom Dent was holding a decisive lead for a 13th District seat in the state House of Representatives, over fellow Republican Dani Bolyard.