BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. -- Michigan State Police Fifth District warns communities of local phone scams.

Many locals have reported receiving phone calls from loved ones claiming they are in jail for committing a crime followed by a call from an attorney requesting cash or gift cards for bail payment.

According to MSP, in order to determine if calls are legitimate or not, those concerned should contact the jail for verification. If someone claims to be a lawyer, make sure to verify and cross reference their information by looking up the firm online and calling back.

"They shouldn't threaten, demand immediate payment, or discourage hanging up," said MSP.

For more information and additional resources, those interested visit the Michigan State Police Fraud Investigation website for more.