Please be advised that a few law enforcement agencies in southern MN have received similar reports regarding theft by swindle phone grandparent scams. The caller will pose as a grandchild stating they were in an accident with another female and her baby, and that they have been arrested. The caller then states they need $18,000 for bail. A “lawyer” then calls and arranges for a courier to
pick up the money. After the courier picks up the money the “lawyer” then call again stating the baby died and they needed to send another $32,000 to State Farm Insurance in California.
In Polk County, bail money is paid directly to court administration or the jail and must be done in person. People that receive phone calls from people in jail are notified of who the caller is and that they are an inmate in the jail.
If you receive any calls similar in nature, please report them to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
