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ROCK SPRINGS, WYOMING – Sweetwater County Sheriff Rich Haskell today (August 29, 2011) issued an advisory concerning a phone swindle circulating in Sweetwater County that targets seniors; a con strategy that has struck county residents several times over the last few years.

Haskell said victims receive a telephone call from a man who identifies himself as the person’s grandson, who often explains that if his voice is unfamiliar, it’s because he has a cold. The caller goes on to say that he is in jail or otherwise in trouble, usually outside the country, and needs money, commonly several thousand dollars, for bail, damages, and/or attorney expenses, which he asks the victim to wire to a specified location.

"The swindlers do their homework," Haskell explained, and usually know the grandson’s name. "Having the name makes it sound all the more authentic," he said.

Sweetwater County residents are encouraged to be alert for such calls, and to confirm independently any such information with other relatives before sending off any money.

For more information contact Detective Dick Blust, Jr., Public Information Officer, Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office, 307-922-5294 or 307- 350-4016, Fax: 307-922-5483, blustd@sweet.wy.us.