Residents of Monroe County have been hit by a phone scam, authorities warn. The con involves scammers claiming to be law enforcement officers, with names like "Sergeant Moody" and "Brian Quinn," issuing phony legal threats. The fraudulent calls demand payment via Venmo or Zelle, threatening arrest for purported failures to appear for jury duty or missed court appearances. As reported by CBS News Detroit, Sheriff Troy Goodnough affirmed that several reports were received by his office last Saturday regarding the scam.
The scam, as detailed by WTOL, leverages the perceived authority of supposed law enforcement to instill a sense of urgency and fear in victims. Monroe County authorities are advising the public to pause and think when receiving such calls, consult with someone trustworthy, and resist sending money based on phone demands. It is highlighted that legitimate law enforcement or government entities will not call citizens to demand money under threat of arrest.
To educate the public, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office has provided guidelines on how to handle these deceptive calls. "Take time to stop and think. Scammers attempt to sound urgent to pressure you," they caution, emphasizing the importance of verifying such calls with trusted individuals or the police directly. Citizens are urged to avoid any financial transactions like money transfers or purchasing gift cards demanded by callers. "No law enforcement agency will ever call residents and demand money or face arrest—for any reason," Sheriff Goodnough stated in considerations relayed by WWJ Newsradio.
Individuals who receive these fraudulent calls in Monroe County are encouraged to report them to the Monroe County Central Dispatch at 734-243-7070, while those residing outside the county should contact their local law enforcement. While the sheriff's office continues to investigate and track down the perpetrators, the community's awareness and vigilance remain crucial in curbing the impact of such scams.
