The Grant County Sheriff's Office is alerting residents to a significant rise in scam-related phone calls targeting members of our community. Multiple reports have been received involving callers who request personal information, money, gift cards, or even demand ransom payments while falsely claiming to be holding a family member captive.
These scammers use fear and urgency to pressure victims into complying. If you receive a call of this nature, do not panic and do not send money or provide information. First, attempt to verify the safety of the family member directly, and contact your local law enforcement agency immediately.
The Sheriff's Office emphasizes:
- No legitimate government agency will call to request personal information or payment—especially not via gift cards or wire transfers.
- Ignore and do not respond to suspicious calls, emails, or text messages.
- Speak with elderly family members and other potentially vulnerable individuals to ensure they are aware of these scams and know how to respond.
You can also report scam attempts through:
- The FBI: https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety
- The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General: https://www.justice.gov/ag
The Grant County Sheriff’s Office is committed to protecting and serving the residents of Grant County through proactive law enforcement and community partnerships.
