WEST OLIVE, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Jan. 10, 2023) – The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office has become aware of numerous phone calls that have been placed to citizens over the past 2 days.
These phone calls are from various different phone numbers, not matching the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office phone number. The caller is claiming to be “Captain Jake Sparks” or another 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 owe money. The caller goes on to threaten the person with arrest if they don’t send money to the caller. Several citizens have recognized these calls as fraudulent and have contacted the Sheriff’s Office to report the scam.
The real Jake Sparks says that these are not legitimate phone calls.
As a reminder, 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 Sheriff’s Office or Ottawa County Central Dispatch to file a police report.
