Ottawa Co. Sheriff’s Office issues phone scam warning: Caller poses as law enforcement

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office is warning about a phone scam in which the caller claims to be a member of the sheriff’s office.

Over the last week, the sheriff’s office said it received several reports of scammers claiming to be a sergeant or lieutenant. The phone number has been spoofed to match the sheriff’s office — 616.738.4000 — or a number doesn’t appear on the caller ID.

The caller says the victims have missed jury duty or have outstanding warrants and will be arrested if they don’t send money. In at least one instance, the victim sent over $800, according to the sheriff’s office.

The sheriff’s office reminds the public that these are common scams, and it never requests money for any fines or costs over the phone.

If you are suspicious of a phone call and want to know if they are talking to a real police officer, the sheriff’s office advises calling Ottawa County Dispatch at 1.800.249.0911.

The scams remain under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff’s office or Silent Observer at 877.887.4536.

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