Mount Clemens, Mich. – Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido is warning residents about an ongoing scam in which criminals impersonate employees of the Macomb County Sheriff's Office to trick families into paying fake jail bonds.
Scammers are contacting relatives and claiming that a loved one has been arrested and is being held in custody. Using caller ID spoofing, the calls may appear to come from the Macomb County Sheriff's Office or the Macomb County Jail. The caller falsely claims to be a sheriff's deputy or jail employee and tells the victim that immediate payment is needed to secure the person's release.
In some cases, the scammers target families of individuals who have recently been arrested. However, other victims are told a loved one has been arrested when no arrest has occurred at all. The entire story is fabricated to create fear and pressure the victim into sending money.
Even when a person has actually been arrested, these calls may occur before the individual has been arraigned by a judge, meaning no bond has been set.
The scammers pressure victims to send money through methods that are difficult to recover, including Zelle, Cash App, wire transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or even cash picked up from their home by a rideshare driver.
The Macomb County Sheriff's Office does not contact family members or friends to collect bond payments or fees. Legitimate bond payments are made through the Sheriff's Office website, in person at the jail, or through a licensed bail bonding agency, and an official receipt is provided.
If you receive a call requesting bond money for a loved one, hang up immediately and contact the Macomb County Jail directly at (586) 469-5151.
Residents should remember:
- Never send money in response to an unsolicited phone call claiming to be from law enforcement.
- Take a moment to confirm the facts. Scammers rely on fear and urgency to pressure victims into acting before they have time to think.
"Older adults are too often singled out by scammers who take advantage of their kindness and attempt to financially exploit them," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido. "These criminals prey on fear and urgency to convince victims to hand over money before verifying the facts. I want people to be aware of these tactics so they can recognize scams, stop fraud before it happens, and help us hold offenders accountable."
Prosecutor Lucido remains committed to protecting Macomb County's senior community from fraud and financial exploitation through SCAMS (Stopping Crimes Against Macomb Seniors). The initiative provides seniors, families, guardians, and caregivers with practical information about common scams, warning signs of financial exploitation, and strategies to protect themselves and their finances.
The Prosecutor's Office makes free SCAMS presentations throughout Macomb County, including telephone town halls allowing residents to participate from home, as well as in-person presentations across the county.
Upcoming SCAMS Telephone Town Hall
Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
Join Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido for a free Telephone Town Hall discussing the latest scams targeting seniors and families, how to recognize fraud, and steps to protect yourself from financial exploitation.
Participants may ask questions live or simply listen from the comfort of their home.
Sign up to receive the call:
https://forms.macombgov.org/261404622975964
Register for other Telephone Townhall dates on the Prosecutor’s website www.macombgov.org/departments/prosecutors-office
Upcoming in-person SCAMS presentations
Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
Macomb Township Marvin Blank Senior Center
51210 Alma Drive, Macomb Township, MI 48042
Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
Romeo Graubner District Library
65821 Van Dyke Avenue, Washington, MI 48095
Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 1:30 p.m.
Warren Community Center
5460 Arden Avenue, Warren, MI 48091
New SCAMS dates are frequently added. Please check the Prosecutor’s website for a presentation near you.
SCAMS events may be scheduled for your group or organization. Contact Outreach Coordinator Heather Esposito at heather.esposito@macombgov.org or call (568)469-5642.
The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office represents the People. We are committed to achieving justice while faithfully enforcing the laws of the State of Michigan. All individuals accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office
Contact: Esther Wolfe, Communications Director
Office: 586-469-5737
Cell: 586-842-4421
Email: esther.wolfe@macombgov.org
