DEARBORN — The Dearborn Police Department has become aware of a scam involving suspects contacting victims by telephone claiming to be law enforcement or IRS agents collecting debts.

The scammer will try to intimidate the victim by threatening to put the victim in jail if the money is not paid.  The scammer will ask the victim to purchase pre-paid gift cards and provide him/her with the card information when he/she calls back. Usually, the victim has no knowledge of any debt. In the recent cases, the scammer falsely claims to be a police officer.  However, it is important to know that the Dearborn Police Department does not solicit or collect money for unpaid tickets, fees, or any other debts over the phone or via email.

If you receive such a phone call, never give any personal information to the caller. Always get a call-back phone number and never send money to anyone you do not know. If you feel you have been a victim of such a scam, please contact your local police department.