On December 12, 2016 Sgt. M.E. Powell responded to a distressed individual who had just received a phone call demanding ransom money be paid or her grandchild would be killed. During the call, the victim could hear what sounded like a child crying in the background. The caller harshly advised that if money wasn’t paid immediately, horrible consequences would follow.
When the call concluded the victim immediately contacted the Sheriff’s Office and provided the phone number of the caller. She was advised by Sgt. Powell to call all of her children and grandchildren and check on their welfare. She quickly determined that all were safe and well. The phone number on caller ID was not found to be valid.
This is a common practice of people who are trying to extort money. Another similar scam includes demanding money to bail a grandchild or loved one out of jail. A person posing as a jailer will call and demand money be paid immediately threatening a severe outcome if payment is not forthcoming. If you receive this type of call, the Sheriff’s Office advises to hang up on the caller and check on the welfare of your loved one. A video on the Bail Out Scam is found below. Please report any suspicious calls to the Sheriff’s Office by calling 9-1-1 or the non-emergency number 540-658-4400.
View Detective Firkin's YouTube Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfrcK-LVC0A
