JACKSON, MI (WTVB) – Michigan State Police at Jackson said on Monday that multiple police agencies in southern Michigan have been handling numerous fraud complaints where victims have lost $15,000 or more.
They say the fraudulent caller frequently tells the victim that a family member is in police custody or has a new warrant for their arrest. The suspects either come to the victim’s house to collect cash, request a deposit into a crypto coin machine or have the victim purchase gift cards.
The suspects have even been known to provide a copy of a fraudulent arrest warrant via text message or email. Their targets include elderly person with grandchildren and sex offenders.
They say the suspects have even approached a victim’s house to collect money and presented fake police badges. A non-uniform police officer will never ask for bond or any money concerning a case or a warrant without first presenting valid police identification.
Arrest bonds should never be placed into a machine that is not at a jail, nor should gift cards be involved in paying a bond. A courier will never pick up bond or cash from anyone for any police matter or traffic crash.
If an officer’s identity is ever in question treat the person with respect and call 911 to confirm their identity. Two suspects were taken into custody last Friday in Lenawee County.
Troopers say one suspect admitted to taking money from three other houses in southern Michigan. They also report the suspects have also been known to make spoof phone calls; using software to scramble numbers to make it appear to be from a police agency.
If you have been a victim of this or a similar fraud, or have any information about these suspects, report it immediately to police.
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