Winneshiek County sees increase of “grandparent scam”

Authorities in Winneshiek County are warning the public of a “grandparent scam” in which at least one elderly couple has lost $15,000 dollars. The Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office says scammers present an elaborate story about a grandchild being involved in an accident with a pregnant woman. The grandchild is said to have been texting and driving during that crash, resulting in their arrest.  Scammers pose as many different players in the fallacy and try to convince victims that they need to give cash for bond money to get them out of jail. A scammer posed as a courier that collected the $15,000 in cash from the elderly couple. Law enforcement say they know of several other incidents in which the scam was identified, and no money was lost. Winneshiek County believes there may likely be more households that may have fallen victim to this scam. The sheriff’s office can be reached at (563) 382-2042.