OTTAWA COUNTY (WHTC-AM/FM) — Ottawa County Sheriff’s officials issued a warning Friday evening after getting several reports of a phone scam that using police officers’ names.
The caller claims to be a specifically uses an area police officer’s name, and asks for money to clear an open warrant for the resident’s arrest, according to Ottawa County Sheriff’s Capt. Mark Bennet. The caller may ask the potential victim to purchase gift or cash cards and read those numbers to the caller, as a way of paying for the warrent.
“In many of the recent cases the suspect falsely identifies themselves as me (Capt. Mark Bennett) in an effort to obtain the funds,” Bennett wrote in an email to the media. “As you know this is a fraud and law enforcement does not operate in this manner to clear warrants.”
Police haven’t identified a suspect yet, he said, and are looking for tips from the public.
People can call Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, (616) 738-4000, or Central Dispatch at (800) 249-0911.
Those wishing to remain anonymous can reach Silent Observer by calling 1-877-887-4536, texting OCMTIP and a message to 274637; or go online and submit a tip using the online form at www.mosotips.com. Silent Observer offers cash rewards for information leading to arrests and convictions.
