OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich. — Deputies are warning Ottawa County residents after several people have received scam phone calls claiming to be from the sheriff's office.
Officials say the scammers often claim they're a lieutenant or sergeant, and that the recipient has missed jury duty or has an outstanding warrant. The scammer then asks to settle the issue with money. Deputies say one victim sent $800 to the scammer.
In some cases, the scammer uses a spoofed number to appear like the sheriff's office is calling, or to provide no caller ID. Deputies say the scammer may also ask the recipient to speak in private so they aren't overheard.
The sheriff's office is now warning residents to be vigilant about these calls.
"The Sheriff's Office reminds the public that these are common scams used by criminals. We will never call to request money and money owed for any fines or costs will be handled through the courts," reads a release. "The Sheriff's Office will not request payment over the phone, with prepaid cards, Bitcoin or by wiring money."
If you receive a phone call and are suspicious it's a scam, you can call Ottawa County Central Dispatch at 1-800-249-0911 to confirm.
If you have information or have received one of these calls, you are asked to call the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office or Silent Observer at 1-877-88-SILENT (745368) or mosotips.com.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and on your phone.
