Scam targets Madison Heights residents with spoofed police number

MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich. – Police in Madison Heights are warning residents of scammers impersonating officers.

The Madison Heights Police Department said at least three residents have been targeted by a spoofing scam, where a scammer impersonates the police department using the number 248-585-2100.

The scammer falsely claims that the victim missed a court date and faces arrest, instructing them to obtain a payment voucher from 7-Eleven and meet at the police station parking lot.

Related: Oakland County woman pleads guilty in arrest phone scam

Law enforcement will never call people and request they bring money, gift cards, cash vouchers or bitcoin to avoid arrest.

If you received a phone call from someone claiming to be with law enforcement, do not give them any personal information over the phone and contact the authorities to verify the validity of the call.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has released several warnings and tips about similar phone scams that can be read here. More information on avoiding and reporting scams can be found on the Federal Trade Commission website.

Consumer complaints can be filed online on the Attorney General’s website.

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