Phone scam caller claims to be with LC Sheriff’s Office

The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office has become aware of a telephone-based fraud scheme that has recently been attempted in the area. An individual calls area residents using a phone number that appears to be local; the caller claims to be a deputy with the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office.

The caller will claim that the local resident has a warrant for their arrest and requests the resident to go buy a Green Dot Money Pack to “wire” him bond money. The caller will claim officers will come arrest the resident if they do not send the funds promptly.

This is a scam and anyone receiving such a call should simply hang up on the caller. If their phone allows it, they can block the number. Generally these scammers will stop calling quickly if you refuse to speak with them. This particular scammer is currently calling from (517) 234-0488 and is claiming to be Deputy Michael Scott. Citizens should be aware however that these phone numbers are easily generated over the internet and may change many times. Also such scammers will often use a different name or a different official-sounding agency to fit their needs.

No legitimate government agency will ever request you to use a money wire service such as Western Union, Money Gram, or Green Dot to send them funds. If you ever receive a call from someone claiming to be a government official and you are concerned that they are not legitimate, you should call a published number for that agency and ask to be transferred to that officer to confirm their legitimacy. If you have vulnerable friends, neighbors or relatives who may be more susceptible to these crimes, teach them to never wire money to someone they do not know.

As of the time of this press release we are aware of several people who have received these calls on Oct. 24, 2017. Fortunately we are not aware of anyone who has fallen victim by sending funds.


Updates to this and other press releases will be posted at: www.livingstonsheriff.com

1 800 SPEAK UP – Crime Stoppers Michigan Anonymous Tip Hotline – 1 800 773 2587
If you have information about a serious crime
• You can be awarded up to $1,000 if the information provided leads to an arrest
• You will not have to give your name or testify
• Phone calls are not recorded
• Caller ID is not used

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The Livingston Post is the only locally owned, all-digital information and opinion site in Livingston County, Mich. It was launched by award-winning journalists who were laid off from the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus by Gannett Co. Inc. in 2009.