"Urgent" calls not from the sheriff

Okanogan County Sheriff says his office has gotten multiple reports of someone phoning people and claiming to be with the sheriff’s office. He’s not, Sheriff Tony Hawley said.

The resident is asked to call a number on a “very urgent” matter. The number they are asked to call, 509-414-7003, is not a number in the county, but is supposed to be associated with the Chattaroy, Washington area. The name given is not that of an employee in the sheriff’s office, and “Okanogan” is pronounced incorrectly.

“Please do not provide any personal information to this number,” Hawley said Tuesday. “If you are ever questioning if a call of this nature is for legitimate law enforcement business, call into the Communications Center to verify that it is valid.” The correct number is (509) 422-7232, “which will not prompt you to leave a message,” Hawley said.

“Be sure to safeguard your personal information to prevent fraudulent activity,” he added.