Be On the Lookout – Officials Warn of Multiple Imposter Scams in Grand Rapids

Between phishing emails and fraudulent texts and calls, the ways scammers target their victims can seem endless. Officials are warning about two particular imposter scams circulating in the Grand Rapids area right now.

Get our free mobile app

City of Grand Rapids Planning Department Scam Email

The City of Grand Rapids recently shared to social media that scammers are posing as representatives from the City's Planning Department. Be on the lookout for emails from the "Planning.CityOfGrand@usa.com" email address. Scammers are manufacturing fake invoices and sending them to residents, requesting wire transfers.

READ MORE: Michigan Police Department launches Special Needs Registry — Should Other Cities Follow Suit?

The City says this in an attempt to spoof the Planning Department and the email address is fraudulent and has been reported as abuse to the domain registrar.

If you have a question about the legitimacy of an invoice, go to your Citizen Access account to review details or call 311.

👇BELOW: IS IT LEGAL? FIND OUT ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MICHIGAN LAW👇

Kent County Sherriff's Office Impersonator Scam

The Kent County Sheriff's Office also shared they've received multiple reports of scammers pretending to be KSCO deputies or detectives. The fraudsters call residents and claim there is a warrant that can be resolved by paying over the phone.

Police say they'll never ask for payment over the phone or payment via gift cards or Bitcoin.

READ MORE: Watch Official Trailer for Investigation Discovery Show on GRPD, Get a Breakdown of All Episodes

If you get a call like this, do not give the scammer any information and hang up.

Help spread the word, especially to loved ones you think may be vulnerable to scams!

Here's more on protecting yourself from government imposter scams from the State of Michigan.