New Phone Scam: Fake MSP Calling for Payments

It's official: scammers are out here doing community theater, this time pretending to be officials with the Michigan State Police (MSP).

How the Scam Works

The agency has issued a warning that some smooth-talking fraudsters are calling Michigan residents and stating that they've missed a court date or committed some kind of "serious violation."

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The catch? They want money or personal info—and they want it now.

What the MSP Will Never Do

Let's be blunt. The MSP isn't calling you to demand payment over the phone. They're not threatening jail time if you don't Venmo them. And they are definitely not asking for your Social Security number so they can "verify your identity." That's a scam. Plain and simple.

If you get one of these calls, the MSP is urging you to hang up. This may go against every fiber of your polite Michigan upbringing, but just push "End Call." Do not pass go, do not give them your mother's maiden name, and absolutely do not send them a prepaid gift card.

Real government agencies don't operate like a sketchy Facebook Marketplace transaction.

MSP Safety Tips to Protect Yourself

The MSP offers these tips on how to protect yourself from the latest imposter scam:

• Don't answer calls from unknown numbers
• Don't click on any suspicious links or attachments
• Don't give out sensitive information to anyone on the phone. Even to grandma. Period.
• Report the scam to the Michigan Attorney General's Consumer Protection Team.

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Ultimately, remember this: If the MSP or any other law enforcement agency wants to speak with you, they will show up in person. If they're calling, chances are it's a scam.