Sheriff’s Office Issues Red Flags to Watch for in Common Yakima Scams

Scammers are always busy in Yakima looking for victims. It's the reason why they target the elderly with scams that scare them into action. They use a number of different tactics to try and steal money or other financial information.

WARNINGS FROM THE YAKIMA COUNTY SHERIFF

The Yakima County Sheriff's Office is out with a warning about the dangers of scammers. A post on the department's Facebook page says scammers are getting smarter but so can you. The department says you need to specifically watch for these red flags:

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TOLD TO PAY WITH GIFT CARDS?

They pretend to be someone you know - a government agency, bank, utility, or charity.
They claim there’s a problem or a prize and try to scare or excite you into acting fast.
They pressure you to act immediately so you don’t have time to think or verify.
They tell you how to pay - usually with gift cards, wire transfers, payment apps, or cryptocurrency.

YOU NOW KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Knowing all the red flags to watch for allows you to better protect yourself and others around you like your parents or grandparents.
So how to best protect yourself? Yakima County Sheriff's Office has some great tips:
• Block unwanted calls and texts
• Never share personal or financial info unexpectedly
• Take your time—legitimate businesses won’t rush you
• Never pay using gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto
• Talk to someone you trust if something feels off

If you spot a scam, report it: ReportFraud.FTC.gov