Scams in Seattle
Active scams in Seattle change month to month. ScamGuard tracks reports submitted by Seattle residents to identify the schemes circulating right now — including utility shut-off calls, fake delivery texts, IRS impersonators, and romance scams operating in or out of this US city.
Frequently asked questions
What scams are most common in Seattle?
Across reports submitted to ScamGuard for Seattle, the most common active scams are USPS / FedEx delivery smishing, fake IRS or local-tax calls, Zelle/Venmo "wrong recipient" scams, fake job offers over WhatsApp, and pig-butchering crypto scams via dating apps.
How do I report a scam in Seattle?
Three places: ScamGuard (so the community gets warned in hours), the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov, and your local consumer-protection office or attorney general. Many states also accept reports through their AG website.
Are there phone-number prefixes used by scammers in Seattle?
Scammers frequently spoof local area codes to look familiar. A call appearing to be from Seattle can still originate anywhere. Caller-ID spoofing is illegal in the US under the Truth in Caller ID Act but enforcement is hard, so treat unsolicited calls from any number as suspect.
Where can I get help recovering money in Seattle?
Start with your bank's fraud line within 24 hours. File a police report — it is required for many bank reimbursements. For wire transfers contact your bank immediately to attempt a SWIFT recall. For crypto, file with IC3 (US) or your country's cybercrime unit.
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