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Sheriff’s Office: ‘Don’t get scammed’

Sheriff’s Office: ‘Don’t get scammed’

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Chief investigator warns residents of ‘grandson in jail’ calling scheme By John Rech

news@theeveningtimes.com

It happens every time around here with fashion trends. A new clothing style comes out and a few years later its available in local stores in Crittenden County. The Crittenden County Sheriff’s Office reported the same with a old scam that made its local debut just last week. The Criminal Investigation Chief issued a scam alert for county residents.

Crittenden County Chief Investigator Todd Grooms said this scam was especially despicable because the perpetrators usually target the elderly and tug on the hearts of grandparents as part of the ploy.

I’ve seen this on the news in other parts of the country,” said Grooms. “It’s the first time I’ve seen it happen here.”

The scammers called a grandfather to say his grandson was in trouble with the law and a good sum of money was needed in an hour to keep his name clear.

“Hey grandpa, it’s me.

I’m in jail. Wire me some money,’” said Grooms.

“Here is my attorney.

Don’t say anything to anybody. Just wire me the money within the hour. If its here on time the judge agreed to keep it off his record.”

The local potential victim headed for the bank but had the presence of mind to verify the story. Back checking the story kept him from coughing up $3,800.

“On the way to the bank he made contact with his grandson’s wife and she said he was at work,” said Grooms. “The grandson called him back to say he hadn’t been arrested and was hard at work.”

Grooms said the key to beating this scam was always to verify the story. That’s what kept this scam from becoming a multi-thousand-dollar

“If they say ‘I am in jail,’ call the jail to verify it.

Always verify information before you wire anybody any money… The public needs to know to verify details before sending money.” — Crittenden County Sheriff’s Department Chief Investigator Todd Grooms SCAMMED

WEST MEMPHIS

Chicken Tenders,Whip. Potatoes / Gravy Seasoned Carrots / WW Roll Chilled Peaches, Milk Beef Strips, Fluffy Brown Rice / Gravy, toss Green Salad ? Ranch, Black-eye Peas / WW Roll, Fresh Fruit Choice, Milk Beef Tacos with Cheese Shed. Lettuce, Dcd.Tomatoes Mexican Pintos, Corn of Cob Spice Apples, Milk Tender Pork Roast Ovn Rst. Potatoes & Carrots Hot Roll Fresh Fruit Cup, Milk Chicken Spaghetti Seasoned Green Beans,Tossed Green Salad/Ranch, Fresh Fruit Cup, Milk

JAN.6TH-JAN.10TH

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

rip-off.

“If they say ‘I am in jail,’ call the jail to verify it,” said Grooms. “Always verify information before you wire anybody any money.”

The scammers typically go for the emotional soft spot in the family.

“They go for the elderly when they do this,” said

Grooms. “You have a grandchild on the other end of the line who you don’t see very often. ‘Hey papaw I’m caught up in this. I am innocent. There was a fight at a party and they arrested us all.

If you wire the money it will stay off my record.

The first thing the elderly want to do is help the family out.

“The public needs to know to verify details before sending money.”

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