St. Johns police are investigating a fraud case where scammers took $20,000 from a local couple through a phishing scheme.
- Police were able to trace the scam to a house in Southeast Michigan and recover the victims’ money.
- Federal Trade Commission data shows Michigan consumers reported fraud losses totaling $204 million in 2024, up from $60 million in 2020.
- Technology experts say verifying who you’re talking to is the number one way to avoid falling victim to scams.
WATCH: St. Johns couple scammed out of $20,000, police recover funds in rare case
St. Johns couple scammed out of $20,000, police recover funds in rare case
As part of my role as St. Johns neighborhood reporter, I have regular conversations with city officials like St. Johns Police Department Deputy Chief Andy Tobias, who tells me about one top-of-mind issue for neighbors: scams.
“Unfortunately we’re receiving similar type complaints on a weekly basis,” Tobias said.
The complaints involve neighbors who have fallen victim to online scams. Federal Trade Commission data shows consumers in Michigan reported fraud losses totaling $204 million in 2024, up from $60 million in 2020…