Michigan State Police are warning the public of recent scams involving phone calls, emails, and text messages telling you that you are the victim of fraud and that you must act immediately. They then tell you to purchase gift cards in order to resolve the problem.

These are scams, meant to trick you and to steal from you.  Trooper Scott Sharrar of the Michigan State Police in Hastings says if any stranger, unknown person, or message asks you to buy gift cards, it should be a giant red flag. Do not participate, even if you are told you will get your money back. Never buy gift cards to resolve a "problem".

Trooper Sharrar said if you ever have a concern over fraud, hang up, locate the number or address of the company or institution you are dealing with and initiate the call yourself. Do not click on links within suspicious email. If it involves a bank or credit card, hang up, and dial your local branch directly or use the phone number on the back of your card.