BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. -- The Berrien County Sheriff's Office reports over the last 24 hours that they've received multiple calls from citizens stating they've been contacted by someone claiming to be Lt. Ian Dodd or Sgt Dave Albers with the sheriff's office.

Authorities say the suspect provides a false story regarding missing jury duty or a warrant that was issued for the victims requiring payment to take care of the issue.

Deputies say in all cases the suspect used a phone number with a 269 area code to make the call seem legitimate.

Authorities say at no point will the BCSO contact county residents by phone demanding money or threatening to arrest individuals who do not provide payment.

Authorities add that the BCSO and Berrien County Court do not request or accept payments originating through money transfer locations like Walmart, Walgreens, Meijer, Western Union, etc.

If you receive a call from someone claiming to be with the BCSO and you feel it's a scam, you're encouraged to call Berrien County Dispatch at (269) 983-3060 to verify the identity of the law enforcement representative.

The sheriff's office is investigating these incidents.