The Pennsylvania State Police Troop N is reminding community members to be aware of a scam being run.

Scammers call and explain that a loved one (typically grandchild) is in trouble and in jail, possibly even citing specific names.

The scammers will often say “Don’t talk to anyone about this, I’m sure it would be embarrassing to your family.”

They will then explain that in exchange for cash, the loved one will be released from jail. The scammers will ask for an address where they can pick up the money. At this point, they will send a courier to pick up the cash.

Here are some tips to prevent becoming a victim of a scam:

• Don’t feel pressured to provide payment for something or to someone, do research into it first, run it by a friend or family member.

• Do not give out sensitive information over the phone. Example: Social Security number or bank account number.

• Do not give remote access to anyone for any of your devices.

• Never make a payment to someone with gift cards - it’s a scam.

• Remember, just because someone says they are from a certain “company,” it doesn’t mean they actually are.

• If you feel a phone call might be a scam or you are being asked for sensitive information - hang up.

• Scams can happen through emails also. If there are a lot of misspelled words, it might be a scam. Always look at the email address it was sent from, if you don’t recognize it, don’t ’t respond or open any attachments.

• Trust your instinct, if it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

If you or anyone you know is a victim of a scam, contact law enforcement to have it investigated.