(Harlan) The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office was alerted to a potential scam.
A resident in Shelby County received a call claiming that their child or grandchild had been in an accident, injured someone, and was now in police custody. The caller insisted that bail money was needed for their release and arranged for someone to come to the home to collect the cash. This storyline is frequently used by scammers. Fortunately, the suspect who collected the money was apprehended with help from the Audubon County Sheriff’s Office, and the stolen cash was recovered.
It was revealed that the suspect was staying in a motel in Guthrie County and was driving a rental vehicle. This scam appears to involve a network of individuals working together. It’s not only occurring in Shelby County but has been reported in various other areas as well.
Please reach out to your elderly relatives and inform them about this scam. If you receive a call like this, contact law enforcement right away. Sometimes the callers ask you to remain on the line during the incident; if that happens, use another phone line or text someone to notify law enforcement. Sheriff’s Deputies will respond quickly to help prevent the scam or potentially catch the suspect. Spread the word, and if you ever feel uncertain about handing over money, don’t hesitate to contact the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office or your local law enforcement for advice.
