Expand / Collapse search
☰

Scammers pretending to be Washtenaw County sheriff's deputy trick victims into sending gift cards

By Amber Ainsworth
Published  April 20, 2021 11:40am EDT
Crime and Public Safety
FOX 2 Detroit

Washtenaw County scammers use deputies names to elaborate ploy

Washtenaw County Sheriff are warning residents to be leary of a scam that involves someone posing as a deputy in an effort to take your money.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, Mich. (FOX 2) - Three victims were scammed Monday by someone pretending to be a deputy with the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office.

According to the sheriff's office, the Ypsilanti Township residents were called by a person who used the name of a current deputy. The caller told the victims that they missed a court date and needed to send $2,000 in gift cards to avoid being arrested.

Derrick Jackson, the director of community engagement at the sheriff's office, said the scammers are targeting people involved with the criminal justice system.

"If I’m involved with the court right now someone tells me I’ll go to jail, I’m more inclined to be nervous and fearful and send that money," Jackson said.

He added that the scammers are finding out information about victims to make the scams seem real.

"They may even know bits and pieces about you, something you posted on social, and when you put that together it seems legit," he said.

The sheriff's office will not make calls like this. If you receive one, it is a scam and you should report it to 734-994-2911.