Jackson County Sheriff: We don’t demand DNA, gift cards

JACKSON, Mich. – The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a peculiar scam targeting people on the Sex Offender Registry and their employers.

According to authorities, the scammers are calling victims and claiming to be law enforcement. They then reportedly demand that the victim come to the sheriff’s office to give a DNA sample, or face more charges payable by gift cards.

Legitimate law enforcement and court officials will never demand payment to avoid arrest or demand DNA samples over the phone.

Residents who receive calls from someone posing as a government agency demanding payment in cryptocurrency or gift cards are urged to hang up immediately and contact the actual agency directly.

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.