Scammers are again pretending to be sheriff deputies on the phone to scare local residents into sending them money.
The Branch County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release it has received multiple reports of a phone scam involving an individual impersonating a deputy.
Branch County Sheriff’s Department
According to a department warning, residents are being told they owes outstanding fines and must make an immediate payment to avoid arrest.
“The BCSO does not initiate collections of fines by phone. Any caller demanding immediate payment or threatening arrest should be considered suspicious and potentially involved in fraudulent activity,” Sheriff Fred Blankenship said.
The sheriff urges everyone to exercise caution and to contact his office directly at 517-278-2325 to verify any communication that raises concerns.
These scams and frauds usually want a person to send money, gift cards, or give account information to pay to steal from the victims.
Contact Don Reid: dReid@Gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Branch County sheriff warns of deputy impersonator phone scam