LaSalle police have warned residents that a scam previously making the rounds is still in the community.
The so-called "grandparent scam" is specially designed to manipulate people into helping someone who may be in police trouble, when in reality, crooks may want to separate you from your hard-earned money.
"The 'grandparent scam' involves an unsolicited call from a scammer claiming to be a grandchild in trouble," read the warning from LaSalle police. "The amount of trouble can range from being involved in a motor vehicle accident to being arrested for a criminal offence."
The scammer posing as a grandchild will then give the phone to another scammer impersonating a police officer, a corrections officer, or a lawyer.
"The caller will often use pressure tactics such as secrecy and a sense of urgency to complete the transaction, followed by advising someone will attend in-person to pick up the money," read the warning.
Investigators have reminded people that police officers or lawyers will never stop by your home to collect money meant to bail a loved one out of jail.
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a relative needing bail money and the facts don't seem to add up, do not engage. Hang up the phone and check with your family to verify if someone really does need help.
If you believe you may have been a victim of the "grandparent scam", call LaSalle police immediately at (519) 969-5210.
