Blue Earth County Sheriff Warns Of Phone Scam Targeting The Elderly

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Blue Earth County Sheriff's office says phone scams in the area are targeting seniors.

According to a press release from the Sheriff, the scam involves a caller asking the victim for bail money. The caller poses as either the caller's grandchild, or as law enforcement themselves, and says the victim must send money immediately to bail a family member out of jail.

The sheriff's office says law enforcement will never call to directly solicit bail money from family members, and do not accept wire transfers or cash delivered by courier services. They say it's best practice not to share personal details -- like banking information or a social security number -- over the phone with someone you don't know.

Authorities say anyone who suffered a financial loss from such a scam should report it to police by calling 911. You can find more information about phone scams on the FBI's website.