Bellevue Police are warning residents of a significant increase in reported and unreported phone scams and frauds. The scams vary in nature, but most involve the suspect contacting the victim by phone and notifying them that they are the subject of a government investigation.

The government agency they supposedly represent can vary depending on the victim’s location. The caller tells the victim that they have to send money through various means to keep from being arrested. In some cases, the suspects have the ability to alter their caller identification display to be that of the local police department.

Anyone receiving unsolicited calls demanding money or requesting personal information or computer access information should decline. People can follow up by contacting the agency that the caller is supposedly representing. They should make sure they use a number that they locate, not the one provided by the caller.

Victims who have sent money should call Bellevue Police to report the incident.