The Michigan State Police (MSP) is warning citizens about a new scam that involves telephone callers who identify themselves as MSP personnel.

In this scam, an individual claiming to be a law enforcement officer or dispatcher contacts a victim by telephone. The caller informs the victim that a family member, who they name, has been involved in a serious traffic crash and needs to be transported to a hospital for immediate care. A second con-artist, claiming to represent the medical transport company, then contacts the victim and says that payment must be received in advance. The victim is directed to wire a significant amount of money to a third individual to allow the loved one to be transported by ambulance.

In the case of a fatal or potentially fatal accident, the MSP policy is to notify the next-of-kin in person, if possible. If the next-ofkin resides out of state, a local law enforcement agency may be used to relay the message.

Citizens will never be asked for payment prior to emergency transportation, MSP officials said. The cost of transporting a patient is handled by the receiving hospital, the transport company, and health insurance providers. Citizens may contact health insurance providers for more information about their coverage.

When making payments for medical services, citizens are directed to take note of the billing company, and to avoid sending money to an unknown individual or company.

Citizens who receive suspicious telephone calls from someone claiming to represent police officers are asked to contact the local State Police post for confirmation.

For additional Information, call (517) 336-6544.