Crime & Safety

Police Blotter: New Scam Hits Area

Take a look into police action from Feb. 10 through Tuesday.

In the past two weeks, have received at least three reports of a telephone scam where someone pretending to be a family member, often a grandchild or child, calls and says he or she has been arrested in Canada and needs bail money.

Fenton Police Chief Rick Aro said the call often has poor sound quality, so it’s hard for the victims to hear clearly. The call is often followed up by a second call from someone allegedly pretending to be a police officer, telling the person on the receiving end how much bail money is needed and where to wire it.

“This is new,” Aro said. “One person lost quite a bit of money.”

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Other scams have been reported recently, Aro said.

He said people have reported receiving calls that they have been selected to be a secret shopper and are sent a check, but they are asked to wire back some of the money.

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“After the money is wired, they found out it was bad check, and it's too late,” Aro said.

Aro said reports of a foreign lotto scam have also been coming in. He said people have reporting receiving a call from someone telling them they have won a foreign lotto and must send money to cover the taxes.

“Of course, the lotto money never comes,” Aro said.

Aro warned residents to be cautious any time an unknown source asks for money to be wired. He said to the call the Fenton Police Department at 810-629-5311 with any questions.

Car larcenies

Aro said several car larcenies have been reported near at North and Torrey roads between 11 p.m.-2 a.m. for the past three weeks.

Aro said several windows have been smashed and that personal property has been stolen from vehicles.

“We just want to warn people to put personal property out of sight and lock their cars,” Aro said.

Retail fraud

Police are investigating a Feb. 10 retail fraud complaint at .

Aro said store employees observed a man concealing three packages of meat and two bottles of vodka in his coat before he exited the store without paying for the items.

Police obtained video footage of the incident and believe the man to be a 41-year-old Clio resident. Police are seeking an arrest warrant.


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