Renton Police Warn About Phone Scammers Impersonating Officers

RENTON, WA — The Renton Police Department is warning neighbors to be on the lookout for the latest phone scam involving callers posing as police officers. Officials said they had received several reports Wednesday of calls appearing on caller ID as coming from the Renton Police Department.

The scammer would claim the person on the other end of the call was involved in a criminal incident and needed to send money, police said.

"I realize many of us know these are scam calls," wrote Sandra Havlik, community programs coordinator for Renton police. "However, these callers can be very intimidating and convincing, and therefore continue to get victims' money this way."

Havlik reiterated that the real police will never solicit payment over the phone and advised that neighbors swiftly hang up on the scammers and spread the word to their friends and families.