(Kootenai County, ID) – The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) is issuing a warning to residents about an alarming increase in scam phone calls targeting our community. Reports indicate that scammers are impersonating law enforcement officials, falsely claiming that individuals have outstanding warrants and pressuring them for personal information or money.
These fraudsters are employing sophisticated tactics, including altering their phone numbers to make it appear as though the KCSO is calling. It is essential to remember that law enforcement will not contact you regarding a warrant for your arrest, nor will they demand payment over the phone.
To safeguard yourself against these scams, the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office recommends the following:
• Don’t Share Personal Information: Never provide personal or financial information over the phone, especially to unknown callers.
• Verify the Caller: If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and call the organization back using a number you know is legitimate.
• Report Suspicious Calls: If you encounter a scam call, please report it to www.ftc.gov or www.ic3.gov to ensure it is routed to the appropriate agency quickly. If you have lost money from these scam calls, please report it to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office at (208)446-1854.