Kent County, MI – The Kent County Sheriff’s Office is alerting residents to renewed reports of scam callers impersonating deputies and demanding payment for alleged missed jury duty or legal issues.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, these scammers often claim the victim has a warrant or court fine and must pay immediately over the phone to avoid arrest. Officials stress that these calls are fraudulent and should be reported.
⚠️ Reminder from the Sheriff’s Office:
- Deputies will never demand payment or threaten arrest over the phone.
- Payments are never requested via gift cards, wire transfers, or apps.
- Legitimate legal notices are always issued in person or through official mail.
The department also warns that scammers frequently use real deputy names or spoof official phone numbers to sound convincing. Residents who receive such calls are urged to hang up and verify directly by calling the Sheriff’s Office at (616) 632-6100.
Authorities are reminding the public to stay alert and share this warning with friends and family, especially older residents who may be more vulnerable to phone scams.
This scam has circulated in Michigan for years, but recent reports indicate an uptick in attempts targeting Kent County this week.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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