Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.

Wayne County Scam Calls and Text Messages
Wayne County Scam Calls and Text Messages

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) is warning of active phone and text scams where scammers impersonate law enforcement to demand payment for fake missed jury duty, warrants, or traffic violations. These scammers often use real names of officers, spoof phone numbers, and threaten jail time to coerce victims into paying via cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers.

Type of Scams

  • Jury Duty/Warrant Scam: Callers claim you missed jury duty or have a warrant, demanding immediate payment to avoid arrest.
  • Fake Traffic Violation Texts: Scam texts, sometimes mimicking state emblems, claim you owe fines for unpaid tolls or parking tickets.
  • 36th District Court Scam: Text messages featuring QR codes falsely claim to be a "Notice of Civil Infraction Hearing" demanding payment for toll violations.
  • DTE Energy Scam: Individuals impersonating DTE employees may visit homes or call offering fake rate discounts.

What to Do

  • WCSO does not call for payment: The Sheriff’s office will never call to demand money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, or threaten arrest for missing jury duty.
  • Do not click links: Do not click on links in text messages regarding traffic or toll violations.
  • Verify independently: If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and call the WCSO or court directly using a verified number, not the one provided by the caller.

If you have been targeted, you should report the incident to the Wayne County Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement.

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