The Washington State Patrol warned that fraudulent phone calls that appear to be coming from a State Patrol phone number warning of a bomb threat with instructions to go to a suspicious website are a scam attempt.
"Multiple law enforcement agencies across the state have received calls from citizens regarding the message," a State Patrol release said Tuesday, Dec. 10. "There is no indication that these calls reflect any actual threat but in abundance of caution, WSP advises anyone who receives a threatening call of any sort to contact law enforcement by calling 911. Report the threat and any caller ID information."
According to the release, the calls are being "spoofed" so that they appear they are coming from a legitimate phone number associated with the State Patrol. They are in fact someone forging the number that appears on caller identification devices in an effort to make themselves appear credible, the release said.
"In this case, the 16-second voicemail instructs the recipient to go to a specific website to ensure personal safety," the release state. "Law enforcement and consumer protection advocates advise anyone who receives suspicious and unscheduled communications either by phone, text, or email to avoid logging on to suggested websites, calling unknown numbers or providing personal information at the prompting of strangers."
The State Patrol, which provided an audio clip of the computerized voice, said it is actively investigating the situation. It advised anyone receiving a call or witnessing suspicious activity to contact law enforcement by calling 911.
In the audio clip provided by the State Patrol, a computerized voice says that 21 hours ago, three pocket-sized explosive devices were placed "around you." "To stay alive," the call directs people to a website.
"There is no indication that these calls represent credible threats, and there are no credible reports of unusual danger," the release said. "WSP urges all citizens to be vigilant in protecting both their personal safety and personal information."
