STEUBEN COUNTY, Ind. (WOWO): Local police agencies are reporting an increased number of cases involving the “grandparent scam.”

According to the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office, the scammers are making phone calls stating they’re calling from a foreign embassy, a police agency outside the U.S., or from a hospital either in or out of the country.

The caller then claims to have contact with a grandchild of the person being called and are attempting to help them get money for bail, a ticket, a crash, or their hospital stay. 

Officers say they seem to notice an increase into this kind of scam at known vacation times, such as Spring Break. They also say to always know where your children and grandchildren are vacationing or if they have even left the area. Never agree to give financial information over the phone.

If you think the phone call is a scam, ask for a follow up phone number that you can verify. Often, the caller will just hang up and move on.