MONROE - The Monroe Police Department is warning citizens to beware of recent phone and email scams claiming to be relatives of complainants.
According to a police department news release, an elderly Monroe resident reported calls received recently from someone claiming to be a grandson. The caller claimed to have been in a vehicle accident in another state and needed bail money. The caller seemed to know personal information about the complainant, but the resident became suspicious and reported the call.
Other potential scammers have called or emailed seeking confirmation on bank account numbers or other personal information. Some emails claim to be from a utility needing payment or foreign lotteries, which subjects never entered, and awarding money.
MPD Chief Fred Kelley said the scams seem to target elderly persons. Police have not determined how information is procured by these scammers, and many of the phone numbers or emails lead to a depository, many times out of the country, or the phone is forwarded through multiple locations.
Kelley urges citizens to not believe calls or emails seeking monies unless they were specifically contacted beforehand. Check with a bank, a relative or law enforcement before giving out personal information or sending money.
-Tom Holm
According to a police department news release, an elderly Monroe resident reported calls received recently from someone claiming to be a grandson. The caller claimed to have been in a vehicle accident in another state and needed bail money. The caller seemed to know personal information about the complainant, but the resident became suspicious and reported the call.
Other potential scammers have called or emailed seeking confirmation on bank account numbers or other personal information. Some emails claim to be from a utility needing payment or foreign lotteries, which subjects never entered, and awarding money.
MPD Chief Fred Kelley said the scams seem to target elderly persons. Police have not determined how information is procured by these scammers, and many of the phone numbers or emails lead to a depository, many times out of the country, or the phone is forwarded through multiple locations.
Kelley urges citizens to not believe calls or emails seeking monies unless they were specifically contacted beforehand. Check with a bank, a relative or law enforcement before giving out personal information or sending money.
-Tom Holm