Suspects in Magazine Subscription Scam Identified, Linked to Traveling Ring

Clinton Township police have identified several suspects in a door-to-door magazine subscription scam as members of a larger ring that has allegedly orchestrated similar scams in other states.

Police say members of the ring have been reported peddling their scam in multiple cities across Metro Detroit, including Macomb Township, although the Macomb County Sheriff's Office had not received any reports as of 11:30 a.m. Thursday.

Want more local news and events? Sign up for our daily newsletter.

The suspects, many in their late teens and early 20s, reportedly go door-to-door passing themselves off as student athletes selling magazine subscriptions for wounded veterans, according to police.

On Sept. 11, an elderly Clinton Township resident reported she gave a 17- to 18-year-old white male $452 for the subscriptions, believing him to be the grandson of a neighbor.

Another Clinton Township resident reported giving a teenage girl, who has been identified by police, $48 on Sept. 5 under the pretense that she was a Fraser High School softball player.

Since reports of this scam reached news media, Clinton Township police say they have received more than 40 phone calls with reports on this case from across Metro Detroit.

This group of individuals is believed to have visited Livonia, Shelby Township, Van Buren Township, Sterling Heights, St. Clair Shores, Macomb Township and several other cities, according to police.

Approximately 10-12 individuals are believed to be operating in the ring. All are thought to be out-of-state residents, according to police.

Once arrests are made, police say the suspects will face charges of larceny by false pretenses, with penalties dependent on the amount of money involved.

Any Macomb Township residents with information are asked to file reports with the sheriff's office at 586-307-9358.