Washtenaw County Sheriff warns of increase in AI impersonation scams
Scammers use AI to fake calls, emails, and texts from the sheriff's office and threaten arrest unless you send money immediately.
How it works
You receive a call, email, or text that sounds or looks official, claiming to be from the sheriff's office. The caller or message says you face arrest or incarceration and demand you wire money right away to avoid jail. The scammers use AI technology to make their impersonation more convincing.
Red flags to watch for
- Caller or message threatens arrest or incarceration if you do not pay
- They demand money be sent by wire, gift card, or cryptocurrency
- Pressure to act fast or face legal consequences
- Official-sounding number or email address that is slightly off
- They refuse to let you hang up and verify through official channels
What to do
Do not send money to anyone claiming to be law enforcement. Hang up immediately and call the sheriff's office directly at 734-994-2911 or 9-1-1 using the number from the official website or your phone book. The sheriff's office will never ask for money by phone, email, or text. If you already sent money, report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and to local police.
If this reached you
Source: WDIV ClickOnDetroit . Scam Sentinel summarizes this news report in plain language; it is a decision aid, not a guarantee.