The Battle Creek Police Department is warning local businesses and residents about active phone scams in which callers impersonate federal law enforcement and use threats to coerce payments, Mayor Mark Behnke said.

According to the mayor's report, scammers contact business managers by phone claiming to represent federal agencies, use high-pressure tactics and threats of criminal prosecution, and instruct victims to withdraw cash or purchase gift cards or cryptocurrency. The report listed three reminders: legitimate federal agencies will not demand payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency; government officials will not threaten arrest or prosecution over the phone; and anyone receiving a suspicious call should hang up and report it.

Residents and business managers who believe they have been targeted were urged to contact the Battle Creek Police Department nonemergency line at (269) 781-0911. The mayor asked listeners to share the information with coworkers, friends and neighbors to help prevent further victimization.