The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a money for bail phone scam with a currier showing up at the victim’s door to collect payment.
The Sheriff’s Office received a larceny complaint on April 21, 2021 of a victim that was contacted via phone by an unknown person who reported themselves to be a relative and said they were under arrest by law enforcement and in need of money for bail. The victim agreed to pay the bail money, and then arrangements were made for the pick up of the monetary funds for bail. The suspect on the phone told the victim they would be sending a currier to the victim’s house to pick up the bail money.
Shortly after the phone conversation with the suspect, another person(currier) arrived at the victim’s residence under the ruse of being a currier for the family member’s attorney and an exchange of cash was made.
After this first phone encounter, a second phone call was made to the victim, indicating that the bail amount had been increased and more money was now needed. A second exchange was then arranged via the same rouse of using a courier.
The initial suspect (currier) who arrived at the victim’s door is described as a Hispanic male, in his mid 20’s, wearing a red and gray sweat suit and a baseball cap. No vehicle description.
The second suspect(2nd currier) is described as a thin build white male with shoulder length dirty blond hair, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and black frayed jeans. He was driving a white box style van.
The Sheriff’s Office is also aware of two other similar incidents in the area. One of which an exchange of money occurred. The other incident was thwarted by a family member who was aware of this type of scam.
The Sheriff’s Office would like the public to be aware of this scam and believe the perpetrators are targeting the elderly. The public should remain aware and be suspect of phone calls you may receive from unknown sources. Do not provide any financial information to callers from unknown sources.
If anyone has information regarding similar incidents or receive phone calls of this nature, call the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency dispatch number at 585-343-5000 or call 9-1-1 if it is an emergency.