Local residents scammed out of $8,000

According to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, a local couple was scammed out of over $8,000.

It’s called a Grandparent Phone Scam, and according to victims, they received a phone call from someone claiming to be their grandson, who is about to be arrested. Then another man takes the phone and demands the victim to send thousands of dollars to prevent the grandson from being put into prison. The scammers instruct the victim to not contact anyone else, place the cash into envelopes tucked inside of magazines and overnight the packages to an address in New York.

Officials say to prevent being scammed, try to spot impostors. It’s often someone pretending to be someone you would trust like a government official or a family member. Don’t believe your caller ID and don’t rely on the personal information the caller provides. With any scam, if it feels wrong or is too good to be true it probably is.

And still on the topic phone scams. Some Fortuna residents have received phone calls from someone identifying themselves as being an employee of the city.

Then asking for social security numbers and other personal identifying information. The caller has claimed that the call is regarding an issue with their credit. Don’t be miss lead even if the number might be out of the city of Fortuna. City staff would never ask you to release sensitive information over the phone.

If in doubt about a caller who says they represent the City of Fortuna, hang up and call (707) 725-7600 and ask for Siana Emmons of the Fortuna Police Department.