Effingham, IL -(Effingham Radio)- The Effingham Police Department has received numerous reports of elderly residents that are victims of a scam.
This scam involves suspects calling the victim and representing themselves as a grandchild of the victim.
The suspect will tell the victim that they have been arrested and are incarcerated in another state and need cash to post as bond.
The suspect will instruct the victim not to notify any other family members about the incident.
Additional suspects will call the victim and represent themselves as legal counsel or law enforcement and provide the victim with instructions regarding sending payment.
These methods may involve large amounts of cash sent electronically or by currier.
Payment methods also include the purchase of refillable debit cards or iTunes cards.
If an initial payment is made by the victim, the suspects will contact the victim again and state that new charges have been filed and additional money is needed.
If you see something, say something and notify your local law enforcement agency immediately.
If you become aware of an elderly person making unusual financial transactions, please share this information with them and help prevent a crime before it occurs.