07/06/2026
Scam Alert! The same thing could happen in your area!
🚨 SCAM ALERT 7-1-2026: Clallam County residents have lost more than $673,000 in just the past THREE DAYS. 🚨
The Clallam County Sheriff's Office is urging everyone to be on high alert after several residents fell victim to sophisticated scams that cost them hundreds of thousands of dollars.
💻 Recent scams include:
🔹 An 84-year-old resident lost $420,000 after scammers posing as Microsoft and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) convinced them to buy gold and hand it to a stranger at the end of their driveway.
🔹 A resident lost $50,000 after clicking on a phishing email that gave scammers access to financial accounts.
🔹 A 64-year-old resident lost $200,000 in cryptocurrency after downloading a fake "rescue app" while believing they were speaking with Coinbase support.
🔹 Another victim lost $3,500 after purchasing Apple gift cards for a scammer posing as Microsoft technical support.
These criminals are professional con artists. They create fear, urgency, and trust to convince victims to act before they have time to think.
🚩 Remember: Legitimate companies and government agencies will NEVER:
❌ Tell you not to contact local law enforcement.
❌ Ask you to buy gold, gift cards, or cryptocurrency to "protect" your money.
❌ Send someone to your home to collect cash, gold, or valuables.
❌ Ask for remote access to your computer or phone through an unexpected pop-up or phone call.
🏡 Scams can have life-changing consequences.
In another Clallam County investigation, a 79-year-old resident was manipulated over nearly two years by scammers claiming they had won a Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes. The victim was convinced to send money, jewelry, and ultimately sell their home. They lost their savings and their home because of the scam.
💡 Before sending money or valuables:
✔️ Stop.
✔️ Hang up.
✔️ Verify the information using a trusted phone number.
✔️ Talk with a family member, trusted friend, your bank, or local law enforcement.
If you believe you've been targeted by a scam:
📞 Contact your financial institution immediately.
👮 Report the incident to your local law enforcement agency.
💻 File an online complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
Please share this post with your family, friends, and neighbors—especially older adults. Your share could prevent someone from becoming the next victim.
