Oakland County Residents Targeted In 'Green Dot' Police Fraud Scam

OAKLAND COUNTY (WWJ) -- Several police agencies in Oakland County -- including the Sheriff's Office and the Troy Police Department -- are saying that fraudulent activity involving telephone scammers impersonating police officers has been reported.

Someone has been reported as identifying themselves as a part of an Oakland County police agency, while later asking for financial information. The caller in one reported case identified himself as a Lieutenant from the Oakland County Sheriff's Office, as a police officer with the Troy Police Department and as a police officer with the Farmington Hills Police Department.

On December 31, a caller contacted an elderly person and impersonated a Troy Police Officer on the phone while attempting to bait the person with claims they owed money for several moving violations.

The scam continued where the only way the call-taker was to avoid a warrant was to provide a "Green Dot" pre-paid card number back to caller. The caller gave a telephone number of 248-296-6737, which had a voice mail for "Oakland County Sheriff's Office."

Police urge that this is not the Oakland County Sheriff's Office and that residents should be on guard against any type of scare tactics via the phone, email or even door-to-door.

Before taking any action such as providing personal information or even financial information, contact the Troy Police or your local law enforcement office. Please call your local police department and file a police report if you have been called by someone you believe to be involved in this fraudulent activity.