Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is reissuing her consumer alert about scammers impersonating government entities as residents continue to report a missed jury duty scam across the state, most recently in West Michigan.
In this scam, fraudsters claiming to represent the Kent County Sheriff’s Department call unsuspecting residents, falsely stating that they have failed to appear for jury duty and must immediately post bond.
Nessel reminds residents that delinquent jurors are never contacted by phone to pay fines for missed jury duty. Official notifications are sent by mail with specific instructions on what to do next.
“Scammers use fear and intimidation as tactics to steal your hard-earned money,” Nessel said. “A government agency will never demand immediate payment over the phone. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be with a government agency and suspect it’s a scam, hang up and verify the agency’s contact information.”
Those who are concerned that they are being targeted by a government imposter can protect themselves by doing their own internet research. Looking up the phone number for the government agency allows residents to call and inquire without relying upon information provided by the scammer.
Residents can also simply do an internet search for the phone number they are being asked to call. This may help determine whether it actually belongs to a government agency or if it is one being used in scams. Nessel wants all Michigan residents to be on the alert so they can avoid being scam victims.
For additional details, view the Government Imposter Scams alert at www.michigan.gov/consumerprotection/protect-yourself/consumer-alerts/scams/government-imposter.
––––––––––––––––––––
Subscribe to the Legal News!
https://www.legalnews.com/Home/Subscription
Full access to public notices, articles, columns, archives, statistics, calendar and more
Day Pass Only $4.95!
One-County $80/year
Three-County & Full Pass also available
