The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a new phone scam targeting local residents.
People have reported receiving calls asking them to call back a number that plays a recorded message falsely claiming to be from the sheriff’s office. The message references “Payment Protection Program Loan Review Hearings” and asks callers to leave their name and number for a return call.
Officials say this is a scam. The sheriff’s office is not affiliated with any loan or payment programs and will never request money, account information, or loan details over the phone. Scammers may use spoofed numbers and professional-sounding recordings to appear legitimate.
Two numbers have been linked to the scam: 269-528-2232, which has been shut down, and 269-442-1867, which remains active.
Residents are urged not to call back, not to provide personal or financial information, and to hang up immediately. If a live caller answers, officials say to let them know it’s a scam and that police have been contacted.
The sheriff’s office says you can listen to a copy of the scam recording can be heard here:
