LENAWEE COUNTY (WWJ) -- Two suspects in southern Michigan have been arrested in connection with scam calls that target the elderly.
The two suspects -- one of them admitting to taking money from three homes in southern Michigan -- were taken into custody Jan. 21 in Lenawee County.
According to a release by Michigan State Police Jackson Post, the fraudulent caller tells its victims that a family member is in police custody or has a new warrant for their arrest -- specifically targeting elderly people with grandchildren and sex offenders.
Authorities said the suspects have been known to provide a copy of a fraudulent arrest warrant via text message or email.
In order to collect the cash, the suspects either come to the victim’s house to collect it -- using fake police badges, request a deposit into a crypto coin machine or have the victim purchase gift cards.
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Across southern Michigan, police agencies handled numerous scam call complaints involving victims who have lost $15,000 or more.
Police are warning Michiganders that a non-uniform police officer will never ask for bond or any money concerning a case or a warrant without first presenting valid police identification.
Furthermore, arrest bond should never be placed into a machine that is not at a jail and gift cards shouldn't be involved in paying a bond. A courier will also never pick up bond or cash from anyone for any police matter.
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If an officer’s identity is ever in question, authorities say to treat the person with respect and call 911 to confirm their identity.
If you have been a victim of this or a similar fraud, or have any information on these suspects, please report it to any police agency.