Phone scammer poses as sheriff’s employee

A caller posing as an Oakland County Sheriff’s Office employee scammed a Birmingham woman out of nearly $1,300 after claiming she had multiple misdemeanor warrants issued for her arrest. 

The woman reported to Birmingham police on Monday, October 20, that a caller from an unknown number claimed they were with the sheriff’s office and that the fines for her warrants would be reduced if she made a phone payment.

Although she was reportedly skeptical, the scammer verified her home address which led to her then providing the caller with her debit card information. 

Still uncomfortable with the situation, she contacted Birmingham police to report the incident and an investigation is ongoing, police said.