Renton Police Flag Phone Scam Targeting Residents

RENTON, WA — The Renton Police Department is asking residents to be vigilant about a new phone scam, where callers impersonate a specific member of local law enforcement and ask victims to pay hundreds of dollars to resolve non-existent warrants.

In a social media post Tuesday, police officials said the scammer spoofs a legitimate phone number for the Renton Police Department and identifies themselves as "Sgt. Rutledge," complete with providing a badge number. While Renton does have a commander matching that name, police said the phone calls are in no way legitimate.

According to police, the man forcefully attempts to persuade residents to pay several hundred dollars, alleging they have outstanding warrants for missing jury duty. One resident said he tried to convince her to pay $1,500 using apps like Apple Pay, Zelle or Venmo.

The woman was suspicious but said the man spoke with authority, and even put a second person on the phone to try to keep the scam going. No matter how convincing such calls can sound, police remind residents legitimate police officers do not make such calls.

"Your caller IS might show Renton Police is calling, or something will tell you that they are one of our officers, sergeants or detectives, but we will not call you about warrants or missing court dates, or not paying tickets," a police spokesperson wrote. "Many of you will say 'I'd never fall for that,' but these callers can be quite intimidating and it works, so that's why they keep doing it."

Police ask residents who receive similar calls to hang up immediately and provide no information.