Mortgage Scam Calls Spike in Washington

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A new wave of mortgage and loan scams are targeting residents in central Washington, with reports of an influx of unsolicited calls from fraudulent lenders. Authorities are urging people to be vigilant and never provide personal or financial information over the phone, as scammers attempt to steal identities and secure loans illegally.

Why it matters

Mortgage and loan scams can have devastating financial consequences for victims, leading to damaged credit, fraudulent debt, and identity theft. This spike in suspicious activity highlights the need for greater consumer awareness and protection, especially in a region that has already seen a rise in online scams targeting vulnerable populations.

The details

According to a 2025 report, over half of Washington residents have been victims of online scams, resulting in nearly $272 million in losses in just the first nine months of the year. Now, a new wave of mortgage and loan-related scams are making the rounds, with people in the Yakima area reporting an influx of unsolicited calls from suspicious lenders offering home loans, personal loans, and other financial products.

• In 2025, over half of Washington residents were victims of online scams.
• In the first 9 months of 2025, nearly $272 million was lost to scams in Washington.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Authorities recommend that anyone receiving suspicious mortgage or loan calls should contact their bank or mortgage company directly (not using any numbers provided by the caller) to verify the legitimacy of the offer. Consumers should also be wary of any requests for personal information or immediate decisions, as these are common tactics used by scammers.