Police Department

New Scam Targeting Those Recently Widowed

Ofc. Teresa Fuller, 509.209.7188

Tuesday, September 30, 2014 at 11:07 a.m.

Spokane Police warn citizens of a new scam, this one targeting the recently widowed. The scammers claim to be from a life insurance company requiring money to ensure next of kin receive proper compensation. If you receive a call similar to this or believe you may have been a victim of this scam, please call Crime Check at 509.456.2233.

On 09/26/14, just after 1 p.m., Crime Check took a report of a possible scam. The potential victim's husband had died the week before and the caller claimed to be from an insurance agency where the decedent had a policy. The caller told the widow that the policy payments had not been kept up to date, but if she caught up the payments, they would be able to ensure she received her life insurance payout from her husband's death. The suspects instructed the victim to get pre-paid cards loaded with cash.

Fortunately, the victim realized the call was a scam and reported it to police. If you receive a call similar to this one, or believe you may have been the victim of a scam, please call Crime Check at 509.456.2233.

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