By Shavonne Walker
shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

A trio of older residents told Rowan Sheriff’s investigators they were scammed out of thousands after sending money to perpetrators seeking money following phone calls.

An 84-year-old China Grove woman said on Oct. 19 she sent $11,000 after being told her grandson was in jail and needed that amount to bail him out.

She was told to mail the money via FedEx to the caller, who claimed to be an attorney. The caller told the woman her grandson had been involved in an accident and was under arrest. The money was to be placed in four separate envelopes, placed in bubble wrap, stuffed with newspapers and mailed to Rock Hill, S.C.

She withdrew $6,000 in $100 bills and $5,000 in $20 bills. She sent the package overnight mail. She received a call the next day requesting more money. She told investigators it was at that time she realized she’d been scammed and had no more money.

In another incident, a 76-year-old Cleveland woman said she received a call on her cell from an 800 number on Oct. 15. The caller said they were from Microsoft and her computer had been hacked. The caller persuaded the woman to withdraw $9,000 from her bank account.

She was instructed to buy GameStop and Target gift cards. The caller contacted her several times from the same number where she provided them with the numbers on the gift cards. The scammer was able to gain access to the money on the card.

Rowan investigators said an 80-year-old Salisbury woman received an email on Oct. 16 to confirm an order. The email was for a 77-inch television and a warranty totaling over $5,000. She said she didn’t use Amazon but called the number at the bottom of the email, which was listed as Amazon Fraud Services.

The caller told the woman she needed to buy gift cards. She bought 12 various gift cards from multiple Food Lion stores, gas stations and Walmart totaling $6,000.

Officials urge residents who receive emails or phone calls to verify them before handing over money.

Rowan County Sheriff’s Capt. John Sifford said residents should call the facility that the person claims to be representing. He said if a caller says a family member is arrested or in the hospital, they should call the family member or call the local jail or hospital.

Anyone who believes they have been scammed is urged to contact local authorities within that particular municipality.