MONROE COUNTY, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) - The Monroe County Sheriff's Office is warning residents to be aware of a scammer pretending to be a member of law enforcement and threatening arrests.

The sheriff's office says it received calls on Dec. 11 about someone contacting residents, saying that they missed a court hearing or there was a warrant for their arrest. The scammer would then demand payment through various payment options.

Authorities offer the following tips when receiving a suspicious call:

• Take time to stop and think. Scammers typically sound urgent to pressure you.
• Call someone you trust or the police for an opinion about the call. 
• Do not send any money, gift cards or wire transfer payments. Government entities do not require or request payment over the telephone.

Any Monroe County resident who received a similar call can contact the county's central dispatch at 734-243-7070. Residents living outside of the county can call their local police department or sheriff's office.