Fraud crimes are considered the fastest growing crime not only in King County but also across the United States. In fact, in 1987 the Sheriff’s Office investigated 1,393 fraud complaints; by comparison, in 2002 we investigated 3,643 complaints. The KCSO Fraud Unit projects that in 2003, over $51 million will have been lost to fraud in King County.
 

There are many ways the criminals can commit fraud. The most important thing you can do is to protect yourself.
 

 

In addition, KCSO detectives may be able to help by speaking at community meetings or to business and neighborhood groups. Please call us at (206) 296-4280 to see if a detective is available.
 

 

Our Fraud and Computer Forensics Unit investigates fraud crimes, organized crime groups, check forgeries, account-closed checks, dishonored credit cards, embezzlements, counterfeiting, computer fraud, traditional fraud schemes, and financial crimes targeting the elderly. The unit also has detectives who are specially trained in the forensic examination of computers that may contain evidence of a crime.

The unit supervisor and a case detective screen all of the cases we receive. Complaints are then assigned a case number and entered into our computerized complaint tracking system. This system is used to manage our investigations and to identify/target fraud suspects who are operating throughout the county. The system also is used to track victim losses so that when a suspect is arrested or charged, restitution can be recommended. Even if we are not able to actively pursue a criminal complaint, warning letters are sent to the suspects advising them that we have received a complaint and advising them to contact a detective in the unit. Many times this results in reimbursement to the victim.