Protecting our community is a daily mission for the Columbia Township Police Department, and staying ahead of criminal activity requires all of us to remain vigilant. Recently, we have been made aware of a scam targeting our property owners through fraudulent invoices. These illegitimate documents often bear the Columbia Charter Township logo and claim to seek payment for various services on behalf of the Township or Jackson County.
These scammers typically reach out via email, providing instructions for large payments to be made via wire transfer. It is important to know that Columbia Charter Township does not request payment by wire transfer. If you receive an unexpected email of this nature, do not reply, do not click any links, and never provide your banking or personal information.
My officers and I are currently investigating this matter, but your awareness is our best defense. We value the strong relationship we have with our residents, and we encourage you to verify any unusual payment requests before acting. If you have received one of these fraudulent invoices, please contact our department at 517-592-3122. By looking out for one another, we can ensure Columbia Township remains a safe place for everyone.
Stay safe,
Chief Jay Niles