PUBLIC AWARENESS Press release
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office is issuing an urgent warning to the public regarding a surge in phone scams where fraudsters impersonate real, local police officers and deputies to steal money and personal information.
Scammers are utilizing advanced spoofing technology to make caller ID displays show the names and
actual phone numbers of legitimate police departments.
How the Scam Works:
The Call: Fraudsters call victims using the name of a real law enforcement officer from the local agency.
The Scare: They claim the victim has an outstanding warrant, missed jury duty, subpoena or owes legal
fees.
The Threat: Scammers threaten imminent arrest or legal action if immediate payment is not made.
The Demand: Scammers demand payment via prepaid gift cards, cryptocurrency, or digital payment apps.
Key Facts to Remember:
No Phone Arrests: Law enforcement will never call to demand money to wipe away an arrest warrant.
No Gift Cards: Government agencies never accept cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers for legal
fees.
Check the Source: Real deputies/officers will not threaten you with immediate jail time over the phone
for financial payment.
How to Protect Yourself:
Hang Up: Disconnect immediately if a caller demands money under the guise of law enforcement.
Verify Directly: Call your local police department directly using a verified number from their official
website.
Protect Data: Never give out your Social Security number, bank routing numbers, or birth date to inbound
callers.