The Emery County Sheriff’s Office would like to notify citizens in the county of a phone scam currently making the rounds. The calls are being made stating that a loved one has been abducted and to send the ransom money immediately. Law enforcement officials stated that two incidents today, Friday, have been reported, one of which was actually swindled out of their money.

The unsuspecting individual believed that their child had been abducted, all the while hearing audio of a child crying in the background. The incident was taken very seriously and the parents feared for their child’s safety. The money was quickly sent to the scammers before actually verifying that their child was safe, unharmed and found to be at school. Regrettably, there is a no chance that the money will be recovered.

The calls thus far have been received by the same number, but scammers can easily change the phone number to disguise themselves. The Sheriff Department warns citizens to keep a look out for these calls, do not send money of any form and to promptly alert authorities.

The ECSO advises residents to refer to the department’s Facebook page for further phone scam information.