News

Actions

Police Warn of Scammers Posing as Officers

Posted at 8:13 PM, Dec 06, 2013
and last updated 2013-12-06 20:13:09-05

MSP Michigan State Police file photo generic dayWEST MICHIGAN — Michigan State Police sent out a release Friday warning people of a recent scam where people are posing as officers over the phone.

They said there have been several reports statewide of people posing as officers threatening to arrest people if they do not send an “IRS payment” over the phone using their credit card.

“The MSP and IRS will never contact you over your phone and demand payment, or threaten arrest if funds are not sent,” the release says.

Officers are asking anyone who receives a suspicious phone call like this to contact them.

Other tips to avoid becoming a scam victim:

  • Don’t give personal information to unknown callers
  • Don’t respond to unsolicited emails from unknown senders
  • Confirm the identity of a contact by independently speaking to your bank, credit card company, government agency, etc.
  • Confirm their phone number using the phone book or another reliable resource