(Michigan City, IN) - Michigan City Police are warning residents about an ongoing telephone scam where callers pretend to be law enforcement officers.

 

Police said the callers identifying themselves as officers tell people they are being held in contempt of court for failing to appear for jury duty in a federal case.  The image of a fake warrant for their arrest is also texted to the people, who are told their bond is in the thousands of dollars but, if they make the payment, the charges will be dismissed.

 

The text message may contain a link and/or an attachment with a Quick Response code for use to scan their payment.

 

“It is recommended the public delete these types of text messages and avoid interacting with unknown callers,” said MCPD Capt. Kevin Urbanczyk.

 

He also said law enforcement and/or court personnel will not call or text anyone to inform them they failed to appear for jury duty or ask for payment of bond to prevent an arrest.

 

“The public should remain alert as scammers repeatedly use urgent or demanding language and official-looking documents to pressure people into submitting payments,” he said.