Authorities in Audubon County are reminding citizens in the county and elsewhere, about ongoing scams which primarily target the elderly. Sheriff Todd Johnson and Audubon Police Chief David Simonsen say first and foremost, residents should be alert to red flags indicating someone is trying to defraud you or steal your identity. Those warning signs include asking you to wire money to claim a prize or to bail a relative out of jail, or revealing your personal and/or banking information over the phone.

The reason for the reminder: The “Grandparent Scam” has resurfaced. That’s where a person (usually someone who is elderly), receives a call from a person claiming to be a grandchild, who is in trouble….usually with the law. Other scams include those associated with so-called sweepstakes and lotteries. And, residents have been getting calls from people asking them for social security or banking information. The caller claims the information is needed for Medicare purposes. Scams can also be perpetrated over the internet or mail.

Johnson and Simonsen say most of these scams originate from overseas, in other countries. That makes it impossible to track the culprits or prosecute them. If you or your loves one may have been the target of any scam, contact your local law enforcement agency.