The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office would like residents to be aware of a possible fraud or  phone scam technique, which is taking place.

During the past couple of days, the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office has received information that an individual has been calling area residents claiming to be a Sheriff’s Deputy and that a warrant has been issued for their arrest.

The caller is claiming that the criminal justice system has a “new program: in place, where they can post bond by using pre-paid debit cards.

The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office is reminding area residents that the criminal justice system and the Sheriff’s Office does not have ask individuals to purchase pre-paid debit cards to post bond.

The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office is sending out this reminder, that if you are contacted by a caller claiming to be a Sheriff’s Deputy and they request that you purchase pre-paid debit cards or similar financial transaction devices that you obtain as much information as possible, such as the phone number that the individual is calling from.

They say you should then contact your local police department or law enforcement agency to verify the information and file a police report if this is determined to be a fraudulent phone call.