Whitcom Director warns of 911 scam

Whitcom Director Patti Kelly reported Monday a 911 scam has been sweeping the state.

Several residents around the state have reported receiving phone calls from solicitors seeking money and personal medical information for 911 service.

According to the report, the callers claim residents must pay a fee to register their house in a 911 database. Without the registration, they are told, emergency crews would not be able to locate homes in emergencies.

Kelly noted 911 services are funded through taxes on telephones and by other local funds. No solicitations will ever be made of individual residents.

Those who receive such calls are advised to hang up immediately and report the call to local law enforcement.

Kelly’s advisory reported residents of Michigan and Pennsylvania have also received the fraudulent phone calls.