April 4, 2018 at 5:30 p.m.
Scam targets couple claiming grandson's arrest
Judy Jackson, spokeswoman with the department, says that a Bartholomew County couple received a telephone call on Monday, from a person claiming to represent out-of-state law enforcement. The caller told the couple that their grandson was in jail and needed $3,000 in order to be released.
The couple was directed to purchase $3,000 in iTunes cards, Jackson said. They were then told to scratch the back of the card and gave the numbers to the caller.
On Tuesday, the couple received another call informing them that their grandson had bonded out and they would receive a refund for their $3,000. However, they were told to send another $2,000 in iTunes cards in order to receive the refund.
Fortunately, as they were attempting to purchase the additional iTunes cards, the sheriff's department was notified and stepped in to help stop the transaction, Jackson said.
"If someone wants to separate you from your hard-earned money, just hang up," said Sheriff Matt Myers. "Fraud is one crime that can be avoided - hang up and call us."[[In-content Ad]]
