Consumer Alert: Scammer claiming to be relative in need
February 8, 2010 -- Attorney General Steve Six is warning Kansans today about a new scam reported in Coffey County. Coffey County Sheriff Randy Rogers reported two people already victimized.
The scam starts with a phone call from a male caller either claiming to be a grandson in jail or a bonding company calling on behalf of a grandchild. The caller claims that the relative needs $2,500 to bond out of jail. They request that the money be wired to the caller through Western Union. This is a scam and consumers should not send money to the caller.
Tips:
- Take the time to investigate claims. If you think what a stranger is telling you might be true, investigate before giving them personal or financial information. Be sure to verify their phone number yourself through the phonebook.
- Do not wire money to anyone unless you are absolutely sure it is someone you know and trust. Once wire funds are picked up, there is little law enforcement can do.
- Don’t send a check, cash, or money order or give out your account information to anyone insisting on immediate payment.
- Don’t let anyone rush you into making a decision. Take your time to ask questions and gather information about the callers claim. Scam artists typically will not take the time to provide additional information.
If you receive a similar call, report it immediately to local law enforcement or to the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 1(800) 432-2310.