OCTOBER 31, 2024 Vol. 40, No. 24
PARKS MILLAGE Vote Nov. 5
SPOTLIGHT ON SENIOR LIVING SETTING UP ESTATE SALES 12A
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Great Parks and Connected Communities A Greener, More Resilient Future
Officials alert community to potential election scams BY SARAH WRIGHT swright@candgnews.com
After being made aware of spam text messages being sent out regarding ballots for the November election, officials from the city of Troy said they want to make sure the community is aware of what to look for in terms of valid election information. Troy Communications Director Courtney Flynn noted that text messages related to ballots for the general election were sent to people all over the state. “The texts looked like they were sent from a government office, but they were not, and were in all caps,” Flynn said in an email. “We want to ensure voters know the proper channels to remain updated and informed on elections.” Officials said Troy has been diligent in ensuring that voters are aware of what contact information would be valid for them to receive
election information from by posting the proper contacts through social media posts. “In general, we are hoping that by providing our alerts through social media that voters will be cautious if they receive a text, call or email regarding their ballots or voting,” Troy City Clerk Aileen Dickson said in an email. “We encourage voters to go to the source first, either the City Clerk’s Office or to the State of Michigan (Michigan Voter Information Center) website, for official information. While some texts/emails/calls may be helpful and truthful, it can be hard to spot the spam or fraud sometimes. So, it’s always better to verify information with an official source.” The City of Troy Clerk’s Office sends out information in the following ways: • Phone calls or voicemails are only from (248) 524-3316 or (248) 524-3317. Officials noted that the Clerk’s Office does not cold-call See SCAMS on page 20A File photo by Tiffany Esshaki
The city of Troy is sounding the alarm about spam text messages being sent out regarding ballots for the November election.
SUSPECT ARRESTED AFTER SEVERAL PACKAGE THEFTS A 23-year-old suspect who was reportedly in the United States illegally has been
arrested in Troy following a number of package thefts. Yohangel Martin Polanco Melo was arrested Oct. 15 following multiple package thefts in metro Detroit that specifically
targeted iPhones delivered to residential addresses. Beginning in September, the Troy Police Department’s Directed Patrol Unit became aware of the package thefts. The sus-
pect in the larcenies would arrive shortly after a package was delivered. “It is unclear if this is an organized crime group,” Troy Police Department ComSee ARREST on page 21A
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BY SARAH WRIGHT
swright@candgnews.com