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Sheriff’s office warns of recent scam reports

POLK COUNTY—The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is warning area residents of a scam that targets grandparents in the area.

The sheriff’s office has received several reports lately of scammers seeking money.

The reports are of scammers calling elderly people claiming to be a family member needing money.

Sheriff’s office officials say anyone who receives a suspicious call from someone claiming to be a family member to never give out personal information or agree to send money without verifying that the caller is in fact, a family member.

The sheriff’s office sent a list of things people can do to ensure their safety and security when they receive what may be a suspicious phone call:

 If it seems suspicious or out of place, it probably is.

 NEVER give out personal or financial information over the phone.

 Ask questions only the true family member would know the answer to.

 Call your family member back on the number you know to actually be theirs to verify that they were the one you spoke to.

Remember to never give our personal or financial information over the phone and that no government organization will ask for your credit card or other financial information over the phone. Always report suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately.