Police investigate phone scam

Michigan State Police and the Branch County Sheriff’s Department are investigating a recent phone scam going through the area.

According to a state police media release, Branch County residents are receiving calls from a phone number that appears to be local and the caller claims to be a deputy with the Branch County Sheriff’s Department.

The caller proceeds to say the potential victim missed jury duty and a warrant was issued. The scammer goes on to say there is a $1,800 fee that must be paid.

A return call to the number is an answering-service recording. Authorities said the suspects went to lengths to make it sound legitimate.

Authorities ask anyone who receives such a call to document the suspect phone number and any names the caller uses.