Rice County Sheriff Jesse Thomas is warning the local community about a sophisticated scam operation targeting residents with a new twist on the old 'Grandparents Scam.' According to a recent alert on the Rice County government website, scammers are posing as attorneys representing a loved one in need of bail money. What sets this scam apart is the insistence on cash payments, which a courier then picks up directly from victims' homes.
The scam has already siphoned thousands from victims. In one reported instance, an individual was defrauded of $15,000 through successive payments. Only at the request for a third installment of $16,000 did the victim halt the flow of cash. To avoid falling prey to these schemes, the Minnesota Attorney General's Office advises to first verify the caller's identity. This may involve contacting another family member for confirmation or asking the caller for information only the real relative would know.
Fraudsters may attempt to glean family details during the call, so residents should be cautious not to volunteer any unnecessary information. It is essential to resist any pressure to act hastily and be wary of calls that involve secrecy or immediate financial transactions, especially those requesting cash, gift cards, or wire transfers. Law enforcement emphasizes the importance of being skeptical and discouraging any urgency to resolve the supposed emergency.
In the event of a suspicious call, the Attorney General's Office recommends, "If you receive a fraudulent phone call, try to trace the call." Victims should dial *57 after hanging up to log the caller's number at the phone company's call identification center. This action should be followed by filing a criminal complaint with local law enforcement authorities. The Rice County Sheriff's Department is actively urging residents to remain vigilant and report any fraudulent activity immediately.
