State police at Troop N, Hazleton, have issued a warning to area residents of “scams” that are hitting Carbon County.

Police remind community members to be aware of recent occurrences, saying “scammers” will contact area residents by phone and explain their loved one (typically a grandchild) is in trouble and in jail, or is facing the possibility of jail, even citing specific names.

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

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

Police have offered tips to help protect residents from becoming a victim of these types of scams. They include:

• 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.

• Never place money in your mailbox for someone to come and pick it up.

• 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 respond or open any attachments.

Police said residents should trust their instincts, saying, “If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.”

Police said residents should not be so quick to give away hard-earned money. They suggest family members be called directly to ensure they are fine.

Meanwhile, police said anyone who is a victim of a scam, or knowing someone who is a victim of a scam, should contact law enforcement to have the incident(s) investigated.