Patricia McLean, Alki Elementary School principal, has warned parents that during the week of Feb. 13 a girl about 10 years old was selling $5 coupons for a Feb. 18 car wash, claiming that it was to support "Youth Girls Basketball" at Alki Elementary School.

"Alki Elementary was in no way involved with this, nor was the Alki Community Center, who brought this to our attention," McLean said.

"I am aware of only two or three people who were defrauded. On behalf of the school community, I apologize for this inconvenience and dishonesty. We have no reason to assume that this was or was not an Alki student. Fraud is a police issue; so if you have any questions or additional information, please feel free to contact Sgt. Jeff Durden of the Community Police Team for the Seattle Police Southwest Precinct."