KENT COUNTY - The Kent County Sheriff's Office has issued a community alert Tuesday after receiving a report and investigating a phone scam.
Newayego County Emergency Services and the Grandville Police Department are issuing an alert for the scam as well.
The suspect involved is calling people and claiming to work for the U.S. Treasury Department, advising people they're in trouble with the courts and must call back to avoid prosecution.
The suspect is using the name Alex Ferguson, which is the same name used throughout the country for similar scam attempts, deputies say.
"Often what we're finding is that they're using Google, phone books, and other public notices with people's phone numbers, and they'll focus on an area and start calling main residents in that area," said Kent County Undersheriff, Michelle LaJoye Young.
If you received a call or recording from this subject do not send any money and contact your local law enforcement agency.
"You have to constantly be aware. You have to be vigilant, and understand who you're dealing with over the phone or the internet and make sure that you're protecting yourself the way we're giving you the information to do," Undersheriff Young said.
Investigators we spoke with say very few have fallen for the phony call, but want to reassure people that the IRS will never contact you on the phone demanding immediate payment.
Deputies advise the IRS will not contact you by phone with any tax or legal issues.
If you're from Newaygo and have received a suspicious call, text TIP NEWAYGOES followed by your message, to 888777 or submit an anonymous web tip here.
Other resources: IRS Complaint Form
