The Alpena County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents of a scam recently brought to its attention.

A caller is identifying themselves as an actual member of the Alpena County Sheriff’s Office and advising a court date has been missed, a warrant has been issued, and to avoid jail a bond must be posted in the amount of several thousand dollars. The caller then instructs for the payment to be made by prepaid debit cards.

At times, these scammers use local telephone numbers.

The Alpena County Sheriff’s Office does not request bond to be paid over the phone or with a prepaid gift card. If you receive a call of this nature, please do not send money.

Additional information on spoofing and how to avoid a phone scam can be found at fcc.gov/spoofing.