Sheriff’s department warns of telephone scam

Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department is reminding the public about a phone scam that has recently resurfaced.

Chief Deputy Michelle Greenlee said the scam centers on callers misrepresenting themselves as a member of law enforcement. The ruse includes using the name of an actual member of the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department, usually obtained through the internet.

Caller ID will show the call originating from a 269 area code or as the actual phone number to the sheriff’s office.

The scammer typically speaks in an urgent tone and advises potential victims that an arrest warrant has been issued for their arrest. The scammer then instructs that bond must be paid immediately or the potential victim faces being arrested.