Some residents have been receiving a call stating they are friends or family of the recipient, and are being held at the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office reports the caller will claim they need money to avoid major criminal charges.
In some cases, the office reports, the caller ID shows the correct number for the sheriff’s office.
Residents should be aware that the sheriff’s office does not make phone calls, send e-mails or faxes to collect money for warrants, taxes or other court costs, the office says in a release. They will also not request any payment in gift cards.
The release states there are websites and apps for scammers to use to disguise their real phone numbers, or to use numbers belonging to third parties.
If a call like this is received, the office says to not send money, purchase a gift card, make a wire transfer or give out credit card information.
