Two Humboldt County residents targeted in phone scam

HUMBOLDT COUNTY, Ca., (KIEM)- Two Humboldt County residents are targeted in a phone scam that takes aim at family members.

A female victim told Sheriff’s Deputies that she received calls from a phone number in Mexico.

The scammer told the woman that he was a member of Law Enforcement and he was holding her child for ransom. He put a crying child on the phone demanding the victim to wire all the money she had to someone in Mexico City.

Another local resident was contacted by someone claiming to be her grandson. The scammer said he broke his nose and needed money for medical care. Both of the victims knew it was a scam and contacted the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office.

If you feel like you are being scammed yourself, The Sheriff’s Office encourages you to contact your local Law Enforcement and the Federal Trade Commission.