Contrary to what scam artists are currently trying to convince you is legit, the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department does not allow anyone to post bond in criminal cases by using pre-paid debit cards. The immediate tip-off should also be quite simple — if you haven’t committed any crime worthy of an arrest warrant, then the department is clearly not coming after you. Nevertheless, there’s a scam circulating the region that plays on people’s fears of impending arrest.
The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office cautions residents to be aware that there is a possible fraudulent phone scam technique, currently taking place in the area.
Over the past couple of days, the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office has received information that an individual has been calling area residents claiming to be a Sheriff’s Deputy and that an arrest warrant has been issued for their arrest. The caller is claiming that the criminal justice system has a “new program” in place, where they can post bond by using pre-paid debit cards.
The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office is reminding area residents that the criminal justice system and the Sheriff’s Office does not ask individuals to purchase pre-paid debit cards to post bond or for any other reason for that matter. It’s a scam…and you’re being asked to try and get as much information as possible to help stop the scam.
The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office is sending out a reminder, that if you are contacted by a caller claiming to be a Sheriff’s Deputy and they request that you purchase pre-paid debit cards or similar financial transaction devices that you obtain as much information as possible, such as the phone number that the individual is calling from, and then contact your local police department or law enforcement agency to verify the information and file a police report if it is determined to be a fraudulent phone call.
