The Poulsbo Police Department recently issued a press release, addressing a number of phone scams which have been reported to the department.

In each case, the victims were contacted on their mobile device by the suspect. The caller identification phone number showed 360-779-3113, which is the main number to the Poulsbo Police Department.

“This is a common trick by scammers, referred to as ‘spoofing,’” the release reads.

The suspect told the victims that they were government officials, such as the IRS, Department of Justice, U.S. Marshalls, etc., and were calling about credit issues and/or warrants for their arrest. The suspect asked the victims to confirm personal information, such as dates of birth and social security numbers. The suspect went on and told the victims their issues could be solved if they electronically send gift cards for various retailers to the suspect.

“The Poulsbo Police Department is sending this press release out as a public safety announcement to the community so they can be aware of this scam,” the release goes on to state. “It is important to know that Federal, State and local governments never ask for payments in the form of gift cards.”