February 13, 2026 – Redmond, WA. The Redmond Police Department has issued a community alert after receiving multiple reports of a new scam that targets families and friends of individuals who have recently been arrested.
Authorities say scammers are exploiting publicly available arrest records to identify victims and pressure them into sending money under pretenses.
As per the police, scammers contact relatives or associates of recently arrested individuals and falsely claim they are calling on behalf of a county office, court system, or law enforcement agency.
During these calls, victims are told that immediate payment is required to “assist with the court process,” resolve a legal issue, or prevent further consequences for their loved one.
The scammers often use urgent and intimidating language to create fear and panic, making people feel as though they must act quickly.
In many cases, the callers request payment through electronic cash transfer services such as Venmo or Zelle, or demand payment in the form of gift cards.
These payment methods are commonly used in scams because they are difficult to trace and nearly impossible to recover once the money has been sent.
Police emphasize that no legitimate court, country, or law enforcement agency will ever request payment through apps, gift cards, or other forms of electronic cash transfer.
As per the investigators, the scam is particularly dangerous because it uses real arrest information, which makes the calls appear more credible.
By referencing actual names, dates, or charges, scammers are able to convince victims that the call is legitimate.
Community members are advised not to send money, not to share personal or financial information, and to hang up immediately if they receive such a call.
Authorities also recommend verifying any claims directly with the court or agency using official phone numbers obtained from trusted sources, rather than information provided by the caller.
Victims who believe that they have been targeted or who may have already sent money are encouraged to report the incident immediately to local authorities.
In Redmond, residents can contact police at 425-556-2500 to report scam attempts.
