CRIME BLOTTER

Redmond police warn of scammers using public arrest records to target relatives

Feb 16, 2026, 11:11 AM | Updated: 11:12 am

Redmond scammers warning...

A photo of a Redmond Police Department vehicle. (Photo courtesy of the Redmond Police Department)

(Photo courtesy of the Redmond Police Department)

The Redmond Police Department (RPD) is warning of a new scam that targets family members and friends of individuals who were recently arrested.

Publicly available arrest information is being used by scammers to identify and contact relatives or associates, and request money to “assist with the court process,” RPD announced.

Scammers demand funds from relatives of recently arrested individuals

The scammers will falsely claim that they are making contact on behalf of the county, court, or law enforcement and demand money for their services.

RPD noted that scammers may request payment through Cash App, Venmo, Zelle, or ask for gift cards.

“This is a scam. No court, county, or law enforcement agency will ever contact you to request payment through apps, gift cards, or other electronic cash transfers,” RPD stated.

Several steps to take if a person receives a scam call were provided, including:

  • Do not send money
  • Do not share personal information
  • Hang up immediately
  • Verify information directly with the court or agency using official contact information

Anyone who believes they have been targeted or victimized is urged to report it to RPD at (425) 556-2500.

“Help us spread the word to protect others in our community,” RPD stated.

Follow Jason Sutich on X. Send news tips here.

Crime Blotter

coast guard murder 18-year-old...

MyNorthwest Staff

18-year-old charged with murder in Skyway shooting death of Coast Guard officer

An 18-year-old Covington man is now charged with second-degree murder in the August shooting death of Coast Guard Lt. Connor Overstreet.

12 hours ago

Benson Polytechnic High School in Portland...

MyNorthwest Staff

Portland student faces domestic terrorism charge after school chemical incident

A student at Benson Polytechnic High School in Portland is facing a domestic terrorism charge after a chemical incident.

16 hours ago

I-5 shooting king-pierce county line...

Frank Sumrall

1 person shot on I-5 near King-Pierce County line, WSP searching for black SUV

Washington State Patrol (WSP) is investigating an early morning shooting on I-5 near the King-Pierce County line.

21 hours ago

Department of Energy...

MyNorthwest Staff

‘Deeply disturbing’: Department of Energy employee allegedly acquired explosive materials in attempt to aid Houthis

A Department of Energy employee was arrested and charged with attempting to provide material or resources to the Houthis.

1 day ago

chelan hills fire suspect (2)...

Tim Hohl

Chelan Hills Fire suspect pleads not guilty, bail cut in half

A 19-year-old man arrested in connection with the deadly Chelan Hills Fire has pleaded not guilty to all nine felony charges against him.

2 days ago

seattle homeless drug...

Jason Sutich

‘Profiting from some of Seattle’s most vulnerable’: Federal Way man sentenced for role in drug ring targeting homeless people

A 54-year-old Federal Way man was sentenced to three years in prison for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy that targeted homeless people in Seattle.

2 days ago

Redmond police warn of scammers using public arrest records to target relatives