A Jefferson couple has lost nearly $35,000 to the grandchild in jail scam. The Jefferson Police Department was notified by the couple’s son who says a caller identified themselves as their grandchild, saying they were in jail and in need of bail money. On two separate days, a total of $30,200 was mailed out. They were contacted again, and an additional $4,000 was placed on 10 Walmart gift cards and then the couple called back the scammer, giving them the numbers off of each card. The funds were immediately removed electronically. An investigation is being opened into this incident, but authorities say these types of scams are virtually untraceable. The money is generally sent off-shore and cannot be retrieved. Unfortunately, the elderly are the most targeted demographic with this and many other types of fraudulent activity. If you receive such a call, hang up and verify whether it actually originated from a family member. Law enforcement agencies will never request payment in the form of prepaid gift cards. If you believe you are the target of a scammer, please contact your local authorities.
