Ann Arbor, MI – Washtenaw County Sheriff Jerry Clayton has issued a warning about a scam targeting local residents. The scam involves individuals impersonating members of the Sheriff’s Office and demanding payment for failing to appear in court or other alleged offenses.
According to the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office, these scammers contact victims by phone, claiming the victim missed a court appearance or has an outstanding warrant. They then demand immediate payment, often through wire transfers or gift cards, to resolve the issue.
The Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that they will never contact individuals demanding payment for any legal issues over the phone. If residents receive such a call, they are advised to hang up immediately and not provide any personal or financial information.
Law enforcement impersonation scams are not new, but they remain persistent. According to the Sheriff’s Office, some scammers are even able to “spoof” official Sheriff’s Office phone numbers, making their calls appear legitimate. Recently, a resident reported receiving a call from someone impersonating a command officer named “Captain David Gibson,” a person who does not exist within the department.
Residents are urged to report any suspicious calls to the Sheriff’s Office at (734) 994-2911. Sheriff Clayton reminds the community to be vigilant and skeptical of any unsolicited requests for money or personal information, as these are common tactics used by scammers.
