ALPENA COUNTY — The Alpena County Sheriff’s Office alerted the public to a currently circulating scam involving callers fraudulently claiming to be deputies with our agency, according to a press release on Tuesday.

According to the release, the office has received multiple reports that scammers are impersonating Undersheriff Cash Kroll and instructing individuals to visit local retailers such as Walmart or Meijer to send money. In one reported case, the scammer claimed there was a “gag order” in place, telling the individual they could not speak to anyone about the situation. This tactic is used to isolate individuals and prevent them from verifying the legitimacy of the request.

The release stated that a store employee recognized the situation and advised the individual that they were being targeted by a scam.

The Alpena County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind the public of the following to keep them safe from scams:

– Law enforcement will never request bond payments through text messages, barcodes, gift cards, or retail transactions.

– Legitimate bond payments are handled only through official channels such as the court or the jail.

– Scammers often create a sense of urgency, claim a mistake has been made, or insist on secrecy (such as a “gag order”) to pressure individuals into sending money quickly or repeatedly.

If you receive a similar message or call, the office advises you to do the following:

– Do not send money or follow the instructions.

– Do not engage or provide personal information.

– Contact your local law enforcement agency directly using a verified phone number.

The office encourages all residents to remain vigilant and to share this information with family, friends, and neighbors, the release stated. Visit the office website at alpenasheriff.com/679/Scam-Phone-Calls for more information.