MARY ESTHER — The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a scam that has long victimized Northwest Florida residents.
A 77-year-old Mary Esther resident says she got a phone call Feb. 8 from someone identifying himself as her grandson. She talked to him a short time before the phone was handed over to a man who said he was “Capt. Daryl Boyd."
He said her grandson had been arrested and needed $2,500 for court fees. The woman followed his instructions to purchase five $500 cards. She then called and gave the card numbers to the individual.
Later, when she talked to her real grandson, she learned he was not in trouble.
This “family member in distress” scam, or similar variations, routinely resurface, and the OCSO has had other reports of recent attempts.
Here's how to avoid becoming a victim:
●Ask a question only your grandchild or family member would know.
●Resist pressure to act quickly until you can verify legitimacy.
●Never wire money based on requests made over a phone or email, especially overseas. Once you send it, you can’t get it back.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 3 ways to avoid 'family member in distress' scam