Spokane family loses $1,900 to sophisticated phone spoofing scam targeting jail families

SPOKANE, Wash. — A local family lost $1,900 to sophisticated scammers who used phone spoofing technology to impersonate law enforcement officials during their most vulnerable moment.

The scam began Monday after the family’s son was arrested during a mental health crisis. Mike and Barbara, who asked that their faces not be shown, were emotional and confused when they received what appeared to be an official phone call.

“We were perfect victims. Perfect. Because when we got that call, we were so glad we were talking to the police,” Barbara said.

The caller, whose number appeared to be from the Spokane County Jail, claimed they needed to pay their son’s bail of $1,500. The scammers directed them to withdraw cash and deposit it at a Walmart money center using a barcode.

Hours later, they received a second call from what appeared to be the sheriff’s office.

“We got the second call that our loved one was required to be on house arrest until court, and that he needed an ankle monitor. They wanted $350 for their deposit and $50 a month for the monetary upfront,” Barbara said.

After a third call, the family went to the sheriff’s office in person and learned they had been scammed.

“There is evil in the world. And this is a very strong example of that. This is pure evil,” Mike said.

The experience was both financially devastating and emotionally traumatic for the couple who thought they would never fall for a scam.

“I was embarrassed to tell anyone because I felt so stupid and so used. And how could you do that? You’re college educated and you can’t spot a scam? Not when you’re emotional and you’re worried about a loved one,” Barbara said.

The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that neither the jail nor the sheriff’s office will call asking for money. All bail payments must be made in person.

Officials advise anyone who receives suspicious calls claiming to be from law enforcement to hang up and call the agency back using a phone number found through official channels online.