HOLLAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Apr. 17, 2024) – The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating several instances of Fraud that have occurred over the last week. In each case, a caller has contacted the victim and claimed to be a member of the Sheriff’s Office, usually a Sergeant or Lieutenant. Oftentimes, the phone number has been spoofed to match the Sheriff’s Office number, (616) 738-4000, while other calls have appeared as “No caller ID”. The caller may also try to encourage the victim to speak to them in private, so others can’t overhear the conversation.
The suspects have notified the victims that they have missed jury duty or have outstanding warrants for their arrest. The suspects then request money to resolve the issue and threaten the victim with arrest if they don’t send money. In at least one instance, the victim sent over $800 to the suspects.
The Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that these are common scams used by criminals. We will never call to request money and money owed for any fines or costs will be handled through the courts. The Sheriff’s Office will not request payment over the phone, with prepaid cards, Bitcoin or by wiring money.
Please be mindful of these scams. If the public is suspicious of a phone call and wishes to verify they are speaking to an actual police officer, the can contact Ottawa County Central Dispatch (9-1-1) at 1-800-249-0911.
These incidents remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office or Silent Observer at 1-877-88-SILENT (745368) or mosotips.com
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