WCSO warns of local scam alert

From The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office:

The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office has been made aware of a scam in our area that may sound as if it is official Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office business.

The scammer will call and leave a message for the victim, telling them that they have missed jury duty and in order to avoid being arrested they must turn themselves in at the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office or contact a specific number to pay their fines. Once the victim calls the number they are placed into a voicemail system that sounds official. The victim is then routed to an actual person where they are prompted to pay the made up fines.

Scammers pretending to be officials with the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office is not a new thing, but the voicemessage system is an added component that may convince some that this is an official call.

This is a scam and the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office will never call you demanding money.

• If you receive a call such as this, hang up
• Please record the phone number and contact us at our non-emergency dispatch (734-994-2911)

Please do not give ANY personal information to anyone you do not know. There are numerous scams which occur daily and this is just the latest in their attempt to scam you out of your identity or resources.

“An educated and engaged community is our best partner” – Sheriff Jerry L. Clayton

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.