(MSC News)--An occasional scam is again being reported across the region, with area law enforcement working to keep targeted residents from falling victim to the rip-off attempt.
The scam works like this: a phone call is received, with the intended victim told they have a relative in trouble in another country who will be sent to prison if money is not wired immediately.
Sometimes the caller claims the relative has been in an accident and needs money wired to pay for the hospital.
Regardless of which ploy is used, the call is a scam attempt, with the relatives cited later found to be safe and sound, inside the United States.
According to reports from those targeted, the callers are persistent and convincing, sometimes, through methods undetermined, sounding identical to the family member falsely listed as being in danger.
However, authorities say it's likely the scammers are using online information to gain the names, addresses, and other publicly available details, of relatives in the attempt to rip-off victims.
Authorities warn those who receive the calls to not act on emotion, as money wired out as requested will be impossible to retrieve.
Those who are targeted should just hang up, and contact the family member mentioned in the call to confirm their whereabouts.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Effingham woman killed Friday in Atchison wreck
One hospitalized, one jailed, after Atchison attack
Three former Atchison Co employees arrested on felonies
Atchison man involved in fatal NW MO crash
Rural Horton man arrested on multiple drug charges
Street lights to be discussed at Monday city meeting
Services set for Effingham woman killed in crash
Meteorologist Spencer: Geometric Watch means electronic disruptions
Two file to challenge local legislator
USD 430 Board accepts resignations, approves new hires
U.S. 36 work in Doniphan Co to impact motorists
Barricaded fugitive arrested in Jackson County
Fatal Atchison apt fire investigation continues
Truck fire at CGB facility in Falls City
Results from SE Nebraska contested Primary Elections
Flags to fly half staff Wednesday across KS
BC's Pate remembered by students, college family
LATEST STORIES
Candidate files for Nemaha Co Treasurer
Three former Atchison Co employees arrested on felonies
Barricaded fugitive arrested in Jackson County
Wed signing means full funding for KS education
MHMA Mock Trial Team sees natl success
Fatal Atchison apt fire investigation continues
Date set for signals switch at Hiawatha intersection
Results from SE Nebraska contested Primary Elections