OTSEGO COUNTY (WWJ) - Con artists are getting more crafty at stealing personal information, police warn, going as far as impersonating a federal officer in their most recent case in Northern Lower Michigan.
Michigan State Police in Otsego County said an elderly person reported they were victim of a potential phone scam involving an elaborate ruse. According to police, the victim said they were contacted by a man claiming to be a federal officer with the Office of the Inspector General.
The supposed officer told the victim that a rental car under their name in south Texas was recently involved in a drug trafficking operation. He then said the victim would need to be given a new social security card and asked for the victim to confirm their number.
The victim told police they provided that number, believing the call was real.
They said they became suspicious when the man began to ask what banks the victim used. When the victim refused to give out that information, the alleged scammer sent phots of his credentials along with a bandage and photo ID.
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The victim then reported the incident with police, who determined it was a scam.
"Never divulge personal information to anyone over the phone, online, or by mail," MSP warned on Twitter. "If you suspect you are a being scammed or doubt the authenticity of the person contacting you, notify law enforcement immediately."
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's office offers the following tips to keep yourself safe from potential scams:
• Never send money to someone you do not know.
• Never give a caller your personal or financial information.
• Always be suspicious of someone calling and asking for money.
• If you get an email or pop-up message that asks for personal or financial information, do not reply or open any attachment or click on any link in the message.
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• Be cautious about opening any attachment or downloading any file from emails you receive, regardless of who sent them.
• Don’t text or email personal or financial information.
• If you must send it electronically, only send it on a secure website — look for the lock icon or the “httpS.”Install protective anti-virus, anti-spyware, and firewall software, keep them up to date, and set them to update regularly.