Sheldon, Iowa — In recent months it seems like we’ve been warning, nearly weekly, of various scams that have been tried, in some cases successfully, on residents here in northwest Iowa. For the second time in a few months, the staff at Super-Hi-Tech in Sheldon have helped an area senior escape the clutches of yet another scammer.
Wayne Barahona is co-owner of Super-Hi-Tech, and he tells us what happened.
Barahona says law enforcement was able to get to the bottom of things.
Barahona describes the packaging of the money that almost got shipped to the scammer.
He says it’s an unfortunate commentary on society that these scams are taking place.
Barahona says that, while there are many different types of scams being attempted these days, they all share certain components.
He says it’s time for the children and grandchildren of the elderly to sit down with them, tell them that you’ll never call them if you need money, and that if they ever receive a call from one of these scammers, check it out, either with their parents, or with law enforcement.
Sheldon Police Chief Lyle Bolkema says that whether it’s the “grandparent scam”, the “utility scam”, or the “IRS Scam”, you will NEVER be asked to keep the situation secret, nor will you be asked to ship cash, or gift cards to a legitimate person. These are sure giveaways that the call is a scam.
