The Washington State Patrol said Aug. 4 that one of its headquarters telephones had been compromised, and that the person using the phone had been falsely identifying themselves as a WSP trooper.

The WSP said it had received 30 complaints from citizens stating they were called by someone claimed to be a trooper, accusing them of various violations including outstanding warrants, unpaid tickets and unpaid school taxes.

The WSP does not call citizens to advise of violations, warrants, or collect fines.

If residents receive phone calls from someone stating they are a WSP trooper calling to collect or advise of fines, they should do the following:

• Do not answer any questions.

• Do not agree to pay any fines.

• Do not share any personal information.

• Hang up the telephone.

The WSP takes these acts very seriously and is currently working on a solution to remedy the problem.