Police Issue Alert for Telephone Scammers

The Northfield Police Department issued a non-emergency alert for telephone scams in the city on Friday afternoon.

Here is the text of the alert from the city’s website:

Northfield Police have seen an increase of reported incidents of telephone scams where individuals claiming to be family members call asking for money to help them due to troubled needs.

Especially common are calls to "Grandma" or "Grandpa" by individuals claiming to be one of the grandkids who have run into trouble and need money to help them. These folks are very convincing making it hard for grandparents to refuse.

If you do receive one of these types of calls, and you are not sure, ask the individual a question about the family that only a family member would know. (ie the name of an aunt or uncle, etc.) If they are unable to answer your question, hang up and call police.

Never give any personal information over the phone unless you are absolutely sure of whom you are speaking with, and if ever in doubt, hang up right away. Feel free to call police with any questions or concerns at 645-4477. (Non-Emergency)