Holland Reporter

Scam Alert: The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office has become aware of numerous phone calls that have been placed to citizens on January 9-10.  The caller is claiming to be a member of the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office. 

The caller advises the person that they have "Missed Jury Duty" or failed to answer a "Federal Subpoena", or "Citation" or similar language and now owes money. The caller goes on to threaten the person with arrest if they don't send money to the caller. These are not legitimate phone calls. Sheriff's Office staff will not direct the public to convert money to Bitcoin, send money via wire, convert cash to gift cards or remain on the phone while money is sent electronically. Also, warrant or bond money is not taken or requested via telephone and legal fees are not requested by phone. These are all typical ploys that fraudsters use to attempt to defraud the public. 

If you believe you have been a victim of a scam or have been defrauded, please contact the  Ottawa County Central Dispatch to file a police report. Non-emergency line: (616) 994-7850 

Original source can be found here.