The Racine County Sheriff’s Office says they have received several complaints of a common telephone scam that targets the elderly, but with an added twist.
They say potential victims receive a call from a scammer posing as a family member who has been in a bad accident, claiming their voice has changed due to suffering a broken nose. Another voice comes on the phone, claiming to be an attorney for the injured family member. They say they need cash to get out of trouble and/or jail for causing the accident.
In the past this is when the scammers will tell the victim where to send them cash, check or money order. What is new is that the attorney tells the victim they will be sending a courier to pick up the money, asking for the victim’s address and then tells them to get cash.
The sheriff’s office says one of the victim met with a male suspect face to face. The male was described as a white male, possibly in his 20’s, with his face concealed with a black face mask. He was wearing a dark tee shirt and gray cargo pants. The victim did not see a vehicle after seeing the suspect come to them on foot.
Investigators are currently following up on leads.
“I understand these calls make you emotional and quick to react,” says Sheriff Christopher Schmaling. “Oftentimes your first reaction is to trust. My suggestion is to get the caller’s name and number and then call law enforcement who will help you verify if the information is accurate. In addition, never provide any personal information or access to your money. Never meet with anyone alone that you don’t know and haven’t verified their legitimacy. Remember, these despicable lowlifes will sound very convincing and plot to use your emotional state to ultimately steal your money.”
They are asking anyone with information in regard to these types of complaints to contact contact Investigator Baclawski at 262-886-8456.