Details Emerge about ELPD Phone Scam

The East Lansing Police Department (ELPD) issued a warning today about a phone scam involving the ELPD’s non-emergency phone number, saying the department’s non-emergency number “has been compromised.” But according to ELPD’s Lt. Steve Gonzalez, it now appears the scammers are simply using an online trick to make it look like they are calling from ELPD’s number.

ELPD warned today that “Some residents have reported that they have been receiving phone calls from an individual that demands they make a payment on a past due account. The individual threatens the receiver with arrest if payment is not made. Caller ID shows that this call is coming from ELPD’s non-emergency business line, (517) 351-4220.”

I asked Gonzalez whether ELPD anticipates that the phone number will be changed as a result, and he answered, “No, we don’t,” because “we never had problems with our phone system here at the department.”

He explained, “From what we understand, there are websites out there that allow you to make a phone call from your original line but allow you to type in a different number so it comes up with that number on caller ID.”

ELPD has today advised residents that “ELPD does not attempt to collect fines via telephone.”

I asked Gonzalez what kinds of calls ELPD might make to residents. He answered that the “only type we would make is anything related to a police report or investigation that our officers are conducting. If someone had an outstanding warrant from failing to pay fines or tickets, we would contact them in person and make every attempt to do so [that way.] If you get an unexpected phone call from the police department, that is out of the ordinary.”

No one has yet fallen for the scam. Says Gonzalez, “From the information we got from the people reporting this, it doesn’t really sound like [the scammers] were very persuasive in getting personal information. It almost sounds more like a prank call or hoax call rather than an attempt to scam.”

Anyone who receives a call of this nature is asked to hang up immediately and report the call to ELPD by dialing (517) 351-4220, ext. 6897.

ELi brings you news you can use! ELi is a reader-supported, nonprofit, noncommercial news source for the people of East Lansing. Join your neighbors in contributing now! Donate online or donate by check. Your contributions are tax deductible, and all your contributions stay in the local economy by supporting our local writers, editors, and tech wizards.