LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is reissuing her consumer alert about scammers impersonating government entities as residents continue to report a missed jury duty scam across the state, most recently in West Michigan. In this scam, fraudsters claiming to represent the Kent County Sheriff’s Department call unsuspecting residents, falsely stating that they have failed to appear for jury duty and must immediately post bond. 

Attorney General Nessel reminds residents that delinquent jurors are never contacted by phone to pay fines for missed jury duty. Official notifications are sent by mail with specific instructions on what to do next. 

“Scammers use fear and intimidation as tactics to steal your hard-earned money,” Nessel said. “A government agency will never demand immediate payment over the phone. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be with a government agency and suspect it’s a scam, hang up and verify the agency’s contact information.” 

If you are concerned that you are being targeted by a government imposter, you can protect yourself by doing your own internet research. Looking up the phone number for the government agency allows you to call and inquire without relying upon information provided by the scammer. 

Residents can also simply do an internet search for the phone number they are being asked to call. This may help determine whether it actually belongs to a government agency or if it is one being used in scams. Attorney General Nessel wants all Michigan residents to be on the alert so they can avoid being scam victims.

For more details, view the Government Imposter Scams alert.