Money-changing scam reported in Livingston County

A money-changing scam has been reported in Livingston County.

According to the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, a local business got a phone call from someone claiming to be with the U.S. Marshal’s Office. The person said they were investigating an employee of that business for swapping counterfeit bills for real ones in their cash register. They were not, and it was a scam.

The caller told the manager of the business that the owner was with the caller, but could not speak with them. The caller instructed the manager to take all the $100, $50, and $20 bills to another business and buy a gift card with the cash. Then they wanted them to give the numbers on the gift card over the phone.

The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office notes that no law enforcement agency will call with a request like that. That is the first red flag. They would never have someone exchange money for gift cards in any circumstance. Never give out personal information or facilitate the transfer of money over the phone.

They said that if you get a call like this, hang up and call the police.