Tacoma police issue warning about scam calls

Aug 5, 2025, 5:03 AM

Tacoma Police Department insignia on a police vehicle. (Photo courtesy of the Tacoma Police Department)

(Photo courtesy of the Tacoma Police Department)

KIRO News Director

Tacoma police are warning residents about scam calls from people posing as law enforcement officers.

The callers often claim you’ve missed a court date, have outstanding warrants, and must pay bail immediately using Bitcoin or gift cards.

Officers do not collect payments over the phone or request donations via Venmo or other apps, the Tacoma Police Department stated in a Facebook post.

Another scam making the rounds involves fake fundraising calls claiming to support local law enforcement.

If you receive a call like this, you are urged to hang up and verify by calling the official non-emergency line at (253) 287-4455, option 5.

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for KIRO Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.

Follow @FrankLenziKIRO

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