Mason, MI – Residents across Ingham County are being urged to use caution today after reports of a scammer falsely claiming to be a captain with the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office. The caller has reportedly been identifying himself as “Captain Robert Earle” and attempting to convince community members to share personal or financial information.
According to the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office, the scam involves a person impersonating law enforcement and suggesting the potential victim could face legal trouble if they do not cooperate. Deputies emphasized that no member of the department will ever call demanding money, threatening arrest, or requesting credit card details, bank information, or other sensitive data over the phone.
Officials said scammers may use the names of real deputies or publicly available personal information to sound credible. The Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents not to verify anything over the phone and to end the call immediately if something feels suspicious.
If residents are unsure whether a call is legitimate, the Sheriff’s Office advises them to hang up and call the department directly using the phone number listed on its official website. Authorities stressed the importance of not using any callback numbers provided by the potential scammer.
The department is also encouraging residents to share the warning with friends, relatives, and neighbors—particularly older adults who are often targeted in impersonation schemes. These types of scams continue to circulate across Michigan, and officials say fast community awareness is one of the strongest tools to prevent victimization.
Anyone who believes they were contacted by the scammer or provided information should file a report with the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office immediately.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
