Deputies of the Logan County Sheriff’s Office said today they have received several reports that area residents have been contacted by telephone in regard to a “grandparent scam.”
In one particular incident, a local elderly woman reported that she received a call where the caller stated that her granddaughter had been involved in a drunk driving incident and that a payment was needed to help her granddaughter avoid jail time.
The scam victim said she asked to speak with her granddaughter, and the caller put a woman on the phone who identified herself as the granddaughter. The scammers also instructed her not to contact the granddaughter’s mother.
The victim then wired $2,900 through Western Union to an address in Santiago, Chile.
Shortly thereafter, the scammer called the woman again, requesting additional money to be wired. The victim was informed when she went to Cashland to wire money that this was a scam and she should contact law enforcement.
In similar instances, victims recently have reported receiving telephone calls advising their grandchild was in trouble and needed funds sent to assist in posting bond, assisting with medical bills or covering unforeseen insurance costs.
Deputies encourage area residents to pay close attention to such phone scams and to contact other family members or their local law enforcement before completing transactions with these scammers.
Residents can contact the sheriff’s office at 592-5731 for assistance.