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GRPD warns community that calls and voicemails 'from headquarters' are scams

Authorities say a call requesting money to avoid arrest is a scam.

Police in Grand Rapids are warning community members to not fall for a scam call or voicemail circulating the area. 

According to a post by Grand Rapids Police, a Michigan resident received the following voicemail:

"From the headquarters which will get expired in next 24 working hours. And once it get expired after that you will be taken under custody by the local cops as there are four serious allegations pressed on your name at this moment. We request you to get back to us so that we can discuss this case before taking any legal action against you.”

GRPD says the voicemail is a scam and that law enforcement will not typically take any payment for outstanding fines, costs or bonds over the phone. If someone has an outstanding warrant for an arrest, they have to be brought before the court.

Authorities say if someone where to answer the call, there will be a recorded message instead of an actual person -- which is a robocall and often designed so victims give up personal information. 

"Contact from the government gets your attention," GRPD writes. "Criminals know this and use the threat of government action to trick individuals in to taking action that results in theft."

GRPD says often scam messages say they have an “urgent” message about “important personal business” or “serious allegations” and that failure to respond may result in arrest or action taken against you but that government entities do not make robocalls threatening arrest or asking for immediate payment. 

A Michigan resident received this voicemail: "From the headquarters ... which will get expired in next 24 working hours. And once it get expired after that you will be taken under custody by the local cops as there are four serious allegations pressed on your name at this moment.

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More scams to look out for:

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