Sheriff's Department warns of new scam

The Winneshiek County Sheriff's Department is warning the public about a new telephone scam.  Deputies say Iowa residents have begun receiving phone calls and e-mails telling people a grandson, granddaughter or other close relative has been arrested in Quebec, Canada and needs $11,000 in bail money.

The scammers ask the person to send the money to a Western Union office in Quebec.  But money sent through Western Union can be picked up at any Western Union location worldwide—including in countries where only the account number and pin number is needed to get the money.

The Sheriff's Department says if you receive such a call or e-mail, contact the Sheriff's Department first so they can check to see if it's a legitimate call or if it's a scam.