OTSEGO COUNTY, MI – Michigan State Police are warning residents of an ongoing scam in which a caller impersonates a federal officer and asks for personal information.
Troopers issued a warning on Tuesday after receiving a report from an elderly resident in Otsego County.
According to the MSP Gaylord Post, someone claiming to be a federal officer with the Office of the Inspector General told the victim that a vehicle rented in their name in south Texas was used in a drug trafficking operation.
The scammer further told the victim they would have to be issued a new social security and asked for their number, which the victim then provided. The scammer then asked what banks they had accounts with.
The victim became suspicious and did not divulge this information, police said. The scammer also sent a picture of his credentials which included a badge and a photo ID, police said.
“Never divulge personal information to anyone over the phone, online, or by mail,” a police statement reads. “If you suspect you are a being scammed or doubt the authenticity of the person contacting you, notify law enforcement immediately.”
Ad Choices