The Better Business Bureau of Northern Indiana is warning the public of a scam targeted at senior citizens.

The BBB said a consumer reported that she received a call from a person identified as a “police officer in Canada” who informed her that her nephew had been in an accident and was currently being jailed. The caller instructed the woman to send $2,900 via Western Union.

The woman reported that she went to a local retailer to do the transaction, but that a store employee became suspicious and stopped her from sending the money.

The BBB alerts the public to warn their senior parents of possible scams, in which the names of grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other relatives are being used in an attempt to get money.

Posted 7/3/2009