Intro Haiku:
It’s all about Sequim
Scam alerts and awareness
Getting connected
The article contains the information we discussed in the podcast. The complete automated transcript of the podcast can be accessed by clicking the ‘transcript’ button under the podcast window at the top of the article.
Why scam awareness matters in Sequim — the older population:
Google AI: Sequim, Washington, is characterized by a significantly older, retirement-oriented population, with a median age of approximately 60.3 years. Nearly 40% of residents are aged 65 or older. The demographic is largely white (approx. 83%), with a, 1.85 average household size, and a high percentage of residents (approx. 29%) living alone in the 65+ age group.
Key Age Demographic Highlights (Approximate Data)
Median Age: 60.3
Age 65+: 36%–42%
Age 50–64: ~20–22%
Under 18: ~15–16%
Gender: 55.6% Female / 44.4% Male
Because of the large population of older residents in the Sequim area, we wanted to talk about a few scams so more people are aware of these and what to do to protect against them.
Scamp attempt this week — a text on my phone:
Text scam with 706 area code (Georgia area code)
Traffic violation unresolved, payment due by 2/6/26.
WA State DOL Final Notice
Traffic violation associated with your account remains unresolved. Final reminder payment hasn’t been received.
In accordance with RCW Title 46 if full payment not submitted by 2/6/26 following enforcement actions will be initiated:
Violation recorded with WA DOL
Revocation of vehicle registration 2/7/26
Suspension of driver’s license for minimum of 30 days
Referral of debt to collections agency with fee up to 35%
Potential legal proceedings and adverse credit reporting
To avoid penalties settle payment immediately through official payment portal: w a . g o v - o a a . c c / d o l
Two free websites that verify URLs:
I ran the wa.gov website from the text scam through both free websites; here are the reports from URLvoid.com (top) and transparencyreport.google (below):
The 3-Second Silent Call from SafeSenior YouTube Channel:
Ever answer the phone to a few seconds of dead silence? That awkward pause isn't a mistake; it's a high-tech test to see if your number is "live." We explain exactly why saying nothing is your most powerful defense.
It's simple to defeat their system and get off their target list.
Never Say Yes on the Phone The New Social Security Scam:
Your voice can be used against you. We show you why you must never say "YES" to a stranger on the phone.
It's easy to protect yourself from this new scam.
City of Sequim February 2026 Newsletter: Tax Scam Alert
The Sequim Police Department is warning the public that it is common this time of year for tax scam phone calls with callers claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and demanding payment for money owed. The public is advised to be cautious and to never give personal information over the phone.
If you receive a call that you suspect is a scam, do not give any personal information and hang up. The Washington State Attorney General’s Office has set up an online blog where consumers can report phone scams. Go to the Attorney General’s website and search for phone scams.
The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages, or social media channels to request personal or financial information. Visit the IRS website to learn how to recognize the telltale signs of a scam.
Scam avoidance tips — What we do:
Don’t answer the phone or respond to texts when we don’t recognize the phone number
Official government agencies send mail; we respond to mail from official agencies, not texts, emails, or unsolicited phone calls.
We don’t give out our information for sweepstakes, free offers, etc.
Connecting to Sequim:
Sequim Monitor article, Connecting to Sequim, from Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
Poll question: Do you feel connected to what is happening in Sequim?
82% no
18% yes
(28 answers, as of noon on 2/6/26)
Lots of people relocate to Sequim — Welcome to all those who are new to Sequim, or those who have never received an official ‘welcome to Sequim’. Welcome!
Google AI: Significantly more people live in the unincorporated county area surrounding Sequim than within the city limits. While the City of Sequim has a population of approximately 8,200, over 31,000 people live within the broader 98382 zip code area, which covers a much larger area of unincorporated Clallam County.
City Limits: The city, covering only about 6.37 square miles, has a population of roughly 8,200.
Unincorporated County (98382 Zip Code): The broader area served by the city (98382) covers about 171 square miles, hosting over 31,000 residents.
Impact: The city center serves a much larger population than its municipal borders suggest, providing services for residents living in the surrounding rural area.
City of Sequim Notifications — Stay Connected:
Sign up for the monthly newsletter:
Visit SequimWa.Gov
Click the banner on the homepage (above image)
Follow directions
Sign up for notifications — current amount, 16:
Visit SequimWa.Gov
Scroll down to the ‘Popular Links’ section (above image)
Click ‘Sign Up for Notifications’
Follow directions
My Disconnection Solutions:
Use the Sequim Monitor to keep people informed of what is happening in Sequim, and to continue keeping an eye on Sequim, even if the information is from the notices put out by the city.
People are welcome to submit articles, documents, photography, local events for publication in the Sequim Monitor to inform others about what is happening.
Thank you for listening, laughing & sharing!
Strait Shooter:
Make Saturday better with the only source of local satire in Clallam County. While it may be one day old, it is not stale. Friday’s edition includes: the newest ‘I’m Helping’ initiative that’s sweeping the county, the non-local local weather, the challenge for kids learning guitar in Sequim, and questionable blatant transparency from a Port Angeles City Councilman. It’s too funny to be true, and yet it is the truth, kind of.
Get Your Emails to Elected Officials Published in Clallam County Letters:
Next issue will be published Monday, February 9, 2026.
Clallam County Letters accepts emails to county, city, state, and federal government officials.
Clallam County commissioners can be redressed by the people via email:
Mark Ozias: Mark.Ozias@clallamcountywa.gov
Randy Johnson: Randy.Johnson@clallamcountywa.gov
Mike French: Mike.French@clallamcountywa.gov
Loni Gores, Clerk: Loni.Gores@clallamcountywa.gov
Find all other Clallam County officials, offices, and employees in the staff directory.
To have your letter published in Clallam County Letters, please include clallamityjen@gmail.com in the CC or BCC fields.
