PR Police warn of scam

PRIEST RIVER — The Priest River Police Department is warning residents to be on the alert for phone scams involving callers posing as law enforcement in an effort to coerce victims into giving them money.

These scams have occurred throughout the region and across the country and include attempts in the Priest River area, Priest River officials said in a press release.

While scenarios vary, officials said the caller typically claims to be a law enforcement officer and falsely tells the victim a warrant has been issued because they missed a court date, skipped jury duty or have an overdue fine. They are then threatened that unless immediate payment is made, they will be arrested.

Callers often use real officers' names and may "spoof" a department's phone number to make it appear as if they are calling from that agency.

Scammers intimidate potential victims by demanding and threatening them with arrest. They may demand fines or fees and offer various ways to pay, including money, credit cards, gift cards, payment apps or cryptocurrency. Priest River Police Chief Drew McLain said no legitimate law enforcement agency in Idaho or in the region will ever call someone and demand money.

"Real officers or deputies are not going to call you and threaten you with arrest, so just hang up if you get a call like that," McLain said in the press release.

Scam victims should notify their financial institution and report the incident to local police. The Priest River Police Department can be reached at 208-448-1521 or Bonner County Dispatch at 208-265-5525.