Crypto ATMs, scams and schemes: Rip-offs that hit Tri-Cities

From fake government emails to a vet tech who pocketed half a million dollars, Tri-Cities residents have been targeted by a wave of fraud schemes in recent months.

Here’s a roundup of recent scam and theft cases reported across the region.

Click the links to read the full articles.

• Tri-City residents have reported fraudulent emails impersonating the city’s permit office, while Franklin County warned of callers posing as law enforcement demanding payment for “missed jury duty.” Story by Cory McCoy.

• Kennewick became the first city in the area to ban cryptocurrency ATMs after residents reported $1 million in losses since 2023, with $2.4 million lost regionally. Story by Eric Rosane.

• A Kennewick apartment bookkeeper is accused of running a years-long Ponzi scheme that funneled tens of thousands in rent payments into her own account. Story by Cameron Probert.

• Pasco police say two men have lived under the stolen identities of two Idaho boys who died in the 1970s for more than 36 years. Story by Cameron Probert.

• A Pasco apartment manager is charged with stealing $28,000 from an autistic tenant by demanding fraudulent payments for damage. Story by Cameron Probert.

• A former office manager at a Kennewick pet urgent care center, faces up to two years in prison after stealing about $560,000 in cash over nearly five years. Story by Cameron Probert.

• A Richland woman faces eight and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to stealing nine Tri-Cities residents’ identities to open credit cards and drain bank accounts. Story by Cameron Probert.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by Cory McCoy. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.