Scam claiming a loved one was kidnapped spreading around Kittitas County
Aug 29, 2025, 6:21 AM
A photo of someone answering a call from an unknown caller. (Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
The Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public of a phone scam targeting Hispanic residents.
The phone scam involves a person on the other side of the call telling someone that a loved one has been kidnapped. The caller then demands silence and payment.
“They demand silence and a payment, but there is no kidnapping and money delivered by bank transfer or gift card is irrecoverable,” the sheriff’s office wrote in a social media post. “If you receive a call that you think may be a scam, or if you think you or someone else is in danger, hang up and call 911 immediately.”
The sheriff’s office is warning residents that any money given by wire or gift card cannot be recovered.
“If you receive a call you think may be a scam, or if you think you or someone else is in danger, hang up and call 911 immediately,” the sheriff’s office continued. “Please share this message with those it might help.”
Follow Frank Sumrall on X. Send news tips here.
