BATTLE CREEK, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Battle Creek Police Department is warning residents about a phone scam where the suspect is posing as a detective.
At least seven women realtors from both Battle Creek and Kalamazoo contacted authorities on Thursday saying that they received a call that looked like it was from the department and the man, who claimed to be Detective Todd Elliott, told them they were in legal trouble, had warrants, or missed court.
He also asked one woman to meet in person and reportedly made sexually suggestive comments to another.
Battle Creek Police say that Detective Elliott is actually Sergeant Elliot in charge of the Detective Bureau and never makes calls of this nature.
Similar calls have been made in the past. In fact, Kalamazoo County Sheriff Richard Fuller spoke about how a caller was pretending to be him, threatening to arrest the victim, and then informing them that they must send Blue Dot Visa Gift Cards to pay off whatever they owed.
Battle Creek Police say if anyone receives a call from someone claiming to be Elliott, hang up, and contact police at 911 or 269-966-3322.
Also never meet the caller in person, do not call them back, and report it immediately.
Authorities are working to identify the suspect. Anyone with more information should call the Battle Creek Police Department at 269-781-0911 or Silent Observer at 269-964-3888.
