Scam calls plaguing North Iowa senior citizens

Release from Chief Deputy David Hepperly and the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office

The Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office wants the public to be aware of the recent increase in scams targeting senior citizens occurring in North Iowa and around the state. Locally, there have been reporters where seniors have been contacted by phone by a person stating a relative has been arrested and needs cash to be released from jail. The victims have provided cash to a person that arrives at the victims home acting as a courier. The victims were unaware that they were being scammed until after the cash was turned over and lost.

In recent cases reported to law enforcement, a suspect and suspect vehicle have been identified:

The suspect is described by victims as a well-dressed black male who was driving a black or dark colored 4-door SUV, possibly having Minnesota license plates. Victims also report the male suspect may have been accompanied by an unknown female.

Citizens should be aware of these scams and never reveal personal information or agree to providing cash to any unknown person. If you are contacted in this manner or have fallen victim to this type of crime, please contact your local law enforcement agency to report it.