Sheriff's Office

For Immediate Release

PR #: 1700110
Date Issued: Dec 07, 2017 - 3:39pm

Washoe County Sheriff sees spike in reports of attempted "Grandma" or "Grandpa" scams

CONTACT: Bob Harmon
Washoe County Sheriff's Office
Office 775-785-6235
Cell 775-722-5517

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office received more than a dozen reports from the public today regarding phone contacts from callers claiming to be a person's grandchild. The phone number identification accompanying most of these calls is (775) 328-3001 which happens to be the front desk number for the Sheriff's Office.

Typically the scammers identify themselves as a person's grandchild in need of financial assistance because they are in jail or have been involved in an accident. It is not unusual for scammers to use personal information about a potential victim's family members in order to sound credible. This type of information is often easily obtained via the Internet or social media.

Unless you are 100 percent sure of whom you are talking with over the phone, never give out personal information and never send money. Gather what information you can and then hang up.

If you feel a call may possibly by legitimate, take the time to double-check the story with another family member before proceeding.

Being aware of these scams is the best form of prevention. Please share this information with other people you know, particularly older people in your life.

Anyone who has suffered a loss as a result of this scam is encouraged to contact the Washoe County Sheriff's Office at (775) 328-3001 (option 7), file a report online at WashoeSheriff.com, or their local law enforcement agency.


The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.

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