A familiar phone scam is affecting Sioux Falls residents again. People have received calls from a person claiming to be a relative (like a grandson) saying they are in jail or the hospital. They are asking the person to wire money to pay for release from the facility. They also ask the person not to call any relatives.

The police department has received around seven phone calls about this scam today, February 6, 2012, and at least one victim has wired money out of the country for a total loss of $2,000.

If you receive a phone call similar to this, do not wire any money. If you are concerned about the relative, give them a call or call their parents to see if they are in need. Please be careful about what information you give over the phone. The scammers are very good at eliciting information and using it to get money. If you are the victim of a similar crime, please call police to report it.