Residents of Bethel are being warned by the local police department about a phone scam involving a person posing as a police officer.
Reports have surfaced of an individual identifying themselves as “Deputy Chris,” using various last names, and making calls that appear to originate from Bethel’s courthouse. The scammer claims to have urgent legal documents that require immediate attention.
Residents have also reported on social media that the caller accused them of property crimes and demanded they account for their whereabouts.
This scam in Bethel is part of a wider trend of police impersonation scams across Alaska, with similar incidents reported in Palmer, Anchorage, and Kenai. Victims have been falsely informed of missed jury duties or outstanding warrants, leading some to lose thousands of dollars.
To protect against such scams, residents are reminded not to share personal information or send money to unknown individuals over the phone. The Bethel Police Department assures that they do not ask for personal details or payments via phone.
Residents unsure about the legitimacy of a call can contact the Bethel Police Department directly to verify the identity of an officer or to confirm if there is a genuine need for action.
Anyone who believes they have fallen victim to this scam is encouraged to file an online report with the Federal Trade Commission, which tracks fraud across the country.
