SCAM ALERT: Phone call from your grandchild looking for bail money may not actually be them

The scam happens when someone calls a person and pretends to be their relative, usually a grandchild, who has been arrested and is requesting that their bail needs to be paid immediately.

Generally, the phone will be quickly passed from the “relative” who has been arrested to their “attorney” or "police officer" who gives the details about bail.

The requested amounts can be over $10,000.

HOW TO TELL

• If they want you to pay someone who will come to your house - it's a scam
• If they only want cash - it's a scam
  
• If they want you to use a gift card or pre-payed credit card - it's a scam
  
• If they want you to wire the money - it's a scam
• If the caller asks you to keep it a secret - it's a scam
  

HOW TO RESPOND

• You can pay bail through a Web page for bail bonds
• Never give your credit card number over the phone
• Call back the grandchild's cell number after you hang up
• Call other family members and ask if they have heard anything - scammers will ask you to keep it a secret.
  
• If you speak to someone who claims to be a police officer, call the relevant law enforcement agency (use google to find their number) to verify the person’s identity and any information they’ve given