Authorities warn of telephone scam

Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office wishes to make area residents aware of a telephone scam that has recently resurfaced.

Chief Deputy Michelle Greenlee said scammers place a phone call to would-be victims and misrepresent themselves as a member of law enforcement. Greenlee said the scammers use the actual name of an agency employee, typically secured through the internet.

In addition, the scammers use specialized applications so the phone number on caller ID indicates the sheriff’s department and its phone number.

The callers claim a warrant has been issued in the name of the potential victim and urgently request payment, typically through prepaid cards, Venmo, wire transfers or other means.