Scam artists are using Kennewick officers’ names to scare people out of money

Scam artists are using real Kennewick police officer names in an attempt to shakedown people for money.

Two people reported getting phone calls from people using actual Kennewick police officers’ names.

When the callers phoned back the different numbers, they were asked to buy gift cards worth a large amount of money and provide the codes over the phone.

Once the scammers have those access codes, they have the money and there is no way to trace it, Kennewick police said in a warning this week.

Any time callers claim to be police and demand money over the phone to pay off warrants those are thieves, said police.

Even if the caller ID says the call is coming from Kennewick police, it’s a fraud.

“No government agency will call you to warn you about impending warrants,” Lt. Aaron Clem said in a release. “They will also not take payment for those warrants over the phone or via gift cards.”

If you’re in doubt, you can contact any Tri-City police agency through the non-emergency dispatch number at 509-628-0333.

“Please help us spread the word and reduce the number of victims affected and the amount of money lost,” said the release. “Have these conversations with your family and friends.”