Johnston Police Warn Residents of Phone Scam

Johnston residents should be on alert for a phone scam, according to the .

Since December, Johnston Police have responded to three three cases in which residents have received a phone call at their home from someone impersonating an immediate family member or calling on behalf of a close family member.

The caller then describes an incident in which the immediate family member requires money to be wired immediately.

In the reported incidents, the callers have been primarily targeting senior citizens and impersonating grandchildren or other relatives.

The caller generally has some kind of personal knowledge of the victim and their family. The caller will often refer to the victim and their relative by name during the call.

In all three of the Johnston cases the victims were directed to wire the requested money through Western Union to an address in Peru.

The Johnston Police is asking residents to be skeptical of any unsolicited phone calls in which money is requested. Residents should verify any requests with another source they trust.

Residents with questions or additional information regarding the activity should contact Lt. Lynn Aswegan at 278-2345.