Phone scams continue plaguing Saline County

The Harrisburg Police Department reported that several people in the Saline County area have been receiving calls from a number that seems to be originating from Washington D.C.

The group claims to be from the National Treasury Department telling people that they have qualified for a $9,000 grant, and it will only cost $250 in fees to make arrangements to receive the money.

Phone scams have been a huge issue in recent years and continue to change and evolve over time. Several have received "phony" calls from their supposed grandchildren, family, or children asking them to wire money Western Union or MoneyGram.

Everyone should be very careful when dealing with someone asking for money over the phone and make sure to ask questions without giving out your own personal information, police warn. The elderly are especially susceptible to these scammers and should be warned and instructed to consult their bank before sending large sums of money.

The IRS says if you receive one of these bogus calls you should have up right away and if you can, mark down the date, time, and phone number and call the Treasury inspector general right away at 800-366-4484