Sep 11, 2011 @ 10:40 PM by Ron Pyle (Subscribe to Ron Pyle's posts)

Tags: scams, soliciting money

OVER THE PAST SEVERAL WEEKS, RESIDENTS HAVE GIVEN US REPORTS OF SCAM CALLS SOLICITING MONEY.  The call generally starts out saying that a Grandchild is in London and has been arrested and they need to send money for bail.  They ask to verify the child’s name, and then reply, yes that’s him or her.  They ask that you wire $2,500 to a bank in London.  They are very slick in the way they get you to confirm the name.  If you don’t know the person calling, don’t give any information and never confirm the child’s name.  Call the police immediately.

Another ploy is to say that your taxes have been audited and you owe $20,000 in back taxes.  You need to send a certain amount of money immediately and that will resolve your back tax bill.  They may even have your social security number.  Again, consult the police immediately.