Wayland Police Warns of Recent Phone Scams

Individuals have reported numerous phone scams to Wayland Police in recent days, and police are warning residents to be cautious.

The calls target elderly individuals and the callers purport to be calling from law enforcement agencies in other states or even other countries, according to a press release.

Police say the latest attempt came when an unknown male telephoned a Wayland resident and told her that her grandson was under arrest in Canada and needed bail money wired to Peru. 

"The caller instructed the Wayland resident to go to the nearest Western Union location and wire the funds to a Western Union office in Peru," a police press release states.

The Wayland resident was suspicious and contacted Wayland Police without wiring any funds.

The scammers obtain family members' names and information that allow them to be "very convincing." Anyone who receives a call of this nature is encouraged to contact police, so the call can be verified before any funds are sent.

In addition, police encourage family members to talk with members of the family who could be susceptible to such scams.