Battle Creek Police want to warn neighbors about a reported phone scam.
Recently, police received a report from someone who received a phone call from a spam number. The unknown man claimed to be a Battle Creek Police Department officer, and requested the neighbor donate to their charity. The man did not provide additional information, and the neighbor did not give a donation.
An officer attempted to call back the phone number, but was not able to speak to a person.
Kudos to this neighbor for not giving the donation. We want to share some reminders about both phone and online scams, in light of this, and a recent phone scam affecting the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office:
- Police will never call you to ask for money and/or donations.
- Before giving information over the phone, hang up and call back the official police number to make sure it is legit.
- Never share personally identifiable information with anyone who contacts you unsolicited.
- Never send money as a payment using a gift card, prepaid card, or wire transfer.
- Avoid clicking links, opening attachments, or scanning QR codes from unsolicited emails or text messages.
If you receive a phone call, text, or online contact that you find suspicious, you can report it to the BCPD at 269-966-3322, through Silent Observer at 269-964-3888, or online at battlecreekmi.gov/police. Click the Report a Crime icon.
