“Relative in Trouble” Scam on the Rise

TYLER — Tyler Police have received several reports recently of citizens being scammed out of large sums of money believing they were helping a family member in trouble. Police say the suspects randomly call a citizen and start a conversation. They are able to extract the name of a family member who may have not been seen in awhile, such as a grandson. The suspect then convinces the citizen that the relative is in trouble and needs money immediately to get out of jail and come home. Many different stories may be given by the scammers to get you to send money for whatever trouble they may describe. The suspects frequently convince the victim to use Western Union or to purchase a money card and have the money wired to an untraceable location.

Tyler Police suggest that you always ask the caller for information that confirms that you know whom you are talking to on the phone. They say you should ask the caller several questions that only the real relative would know without the caller extracting information from you. Another suggestion: obtain a call-back number from the caller and say you will call back after verifying his or her information. Also, it’s a good idea to call other family members to verify if you should proceed with any type of assistance.