10/23/2026
🚨 SCAM ALERT – NEWAYGO COUNTY RESIDENTS 🚨
The Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office has received reports of an unidentified caller contacting residents and claiming they missed a jury duty court appointment. The caller then tells the individual they have an active warrant for their arrest and must pay a fine. In some cases, the caller is directing people to meet them at a location in front of the courthouse.
THIS IS A SCAM! DO NOT FALL FOR IT!
The Sheriff’s Office does not make these types of calls to demand payment for missed jury duty or to arrange meetings with individuals to resolve alleged warrants. Scammers use fear, urgency, and threats of arrest to pressure people into handing over money or personal information.
⚠️ Here are some common scams to watch for:
* 🚔 Jury Duty and Arrest Warrant Scams: Callers claim you missed court or jury duty and have a warrant. They threaten arrest unless you immediately pay a fine.
* 💳 Fake Fine or Payment Scams: Scammers demand payment through gift cards, prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or payment apps. Legitimate government agencies do not demand these types of payments to resolve a supposed warrant.
* 👮 Law Enforcement Impersonation: Scammers may pretend to be deputies, police officers, court employees, or other government officials. They may use fake names, badge numbers, caller ID spoofing, or official-sounding language to appear legitimate.
* 📞 Caller ID Spoofing: A phone call may appear to come from a legitimate government office or local phone number. Do not assume a call is legitimate just because the number looks familiar.
* 🔒 Personal Information Scams: Callers may ask for your Social Security number, date of birth, banking information, or other sensitive details under the pretense of verifying your identity or clearing a warrant.
✅ WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
✔️ Hang up. Do not engage with the caller or follow their instructions.
✔️ Never send money, purchase gift cards, or provide banking or personal information to someone threatening you over the phone.
✔️ Do not travel to a location to meet an unknown caller.
✔️ If you are concerned about a possible court matter or warrant, independently contact the appropriate court or law enforcement agency using a verified phone number. Do not use a number provided by the caller.
✔️ Report suspicious calls to the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office.
PLEASE SHARE THIS MESSAGE!
Scammers often target people who are trying to do the right thing and avoid legal trouble. These calls can sound convincing, but threats and demands for immediate payment are major warning signs.
Help us protect our community by spreading the word. When in doubt, hang up and verify!