The Sheriff’s Office has received reports from Friday Harbor residents about a possible scam to obtain personal identifying information. A caller, representing himself as being from Medicare, has attempted to “verify” personal information, including name, address, and social security number, under the guise of sending out new Medicare cards.

According to Sheriff Rob Nou, there are many scams both by phone and online, where criminals are attempting to obtain. personal identifying information for the purpose of committing identity theft and financial fraud crimes. The government and banks do not initiate unsolicited calls to “verify” information.

“Know who you are talking to, and do not share person identifying information, account numbers or credit card information with unknown parties,” said Nou in a press release.