Fraud & Scam Prevention

From government and celebrity imposters to jury duty scams and data breaches to identity theft, there are many fraud and scam schemes to protect yourself against. This page describes some of the many types of fraud and “red flags” to look for as to not fall prey to the scam. 

Identity Theft

Identity theft happens when someone uses your personal (e.g. name, address, social security number) or financial information (e.g. credit card, bank, medical insurance accounts) without your permission. It may not be immediately apparent that your identity is being used by another person. The Federal Trade Commission encourages you to beware of these warning signs:

  • Bills for items you did not buy
  • Debt collection calls for accounts you did not open
  • Information on your credit report for accounts you did not open
  • Denials of loan applications
  • Mail stops coming to or is missing from your mailbox


 If you are a victim of identity theft, the Washington State Attorney General’s Office encourages you to:

  • Notify the companies where you know fraud or identity theft occurred.
  • Place a fraud alert and/or security freeze on your credit report and get a copy of it.
  • Report identity theft online at IdentityTheft.gov. 
  • Report the crime to the police or sheriff's office in the area where you live or where the crime occurred.
  • If the crime occurred in Monroe city limits, you can report it to the Monroe Police Department by calling 425-407-3999 (non-emergency) or 9-1-1.
  • Send a copy of the police report to the three major consumer-reporting agencies.
  • Ask businesses to provide you with information about transactions made in your name. 

You are also encouraged to report the incident to the appropriate federal investigative agency through the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.  

Identity theft could occur if your driver’s license is lost or stolen. Visit Washington Department of Licensing website to learn more. 

Common Scams

  • Employment Scam: Scammers pass themselves off as legitimate employers and will engage with you only online (e.g. job interview). Red flags: If you are asked for money to purchase equipment, set up a bank account, or pay for resume-formatting. Be suspicious if you are asked to switch the conversation from the job search platform to an encrypted app. Scammers can also use your personal information in your resume/application to commit identity theft.
  • Phishing Scam: Scammers use email or text messages to trick you into giving them your personal and financial information such as your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security number.  Red flags: The email has a generic greeting, says your account is on hold because of a billing problem or invites you to click on a link to update your payment details.
  • Bail Money Scam: Also known as the “Grandparent Scam” or “Hello Bail Scam” occurs when you receive a call from someone claiming to be a lawyer, police officer or government official – or perhaps it is your grandchild, niece or nephew. They inform you that there has been a car accident, or they are in jail, and they urgently need money. Red flags: Pressure to give money and to secrecy.
  • Charity Scam: Occurs when you donate to a fake or illegitimate charity organization. Scammers use social media, email, online crowdsourcing and printed mail to appeal to your emotions to donate. Red flags: You’re contacted soon after a natural disaster event, the charity name mimics a legitimate charity, you’re asked to pay by cash, gift card or wire transfer, or you’re pressured to give immediately.

Other common scams include: Government imposter (callers poses as a government representative seeking money or toll payment), Tech Support (fake tech support technicians offer to fix your computer), romance (fake profiles are created to fake relationships and deceive people into giving money),  cryptocurrency (scammers share their “expertise” on investments, frequently promising large returns and little risk), and lottery/prize (account information is requested to claim the prize.)  

General tips to prevent financial fraud

  • Never click on links in unsolicited emails or text messages – they’re probably part of a phishing scam.
  • Buy from reputable, known sources when shopping online.
  • Don’t use public Wi-Fi for financial, or other private, transactions or web browsing.
  • Never send funds to a government agency or charity using a pre-paid gift card or money transfer; research charities before donating, or donate through known websites.
  • Don’t agree to deposit a check and wire money back to someone because of an over-payment; these scenarios are always a scam.
  • Don’t use crypto currency ATM’s to make any sort of payments, or to transfer or “secure” funds. Government agencies and legitimate businesses will not solicit this method of payment or transfer. 
  • Consider a credit freeze; this will prevent scammers from opening fraudulent accounts using your info.
  • Check your credit reports.