Police warn of Western Union phone scam in Willowick

WILLOWICK, Ohio - Willowick police are issuing an alert after a resident was scammed out of $1,800 over the phone.

Officers posted to the department’s Facebook page that they received a call from a Glenhurst Road resident concerned about phone call she received about her grandson.

According to the police, someone posing as an officer told the woman her grandson was in jail and in need of $1,800. As requested, the woman then sent the money via Western Union.

Shortly after, the woman received a second phone call from the alleged officer stating her grandson needed another $1,800. Suspicious, the woman contacted her son who informed her that her grandson was not in jail, nor in need of money.

Willowick police were able to stop the money transfer and retrieve the woman’s money from Western Union.

No arrests have been made in this case.

Police urge anyone that receives a call similar to this to avoid sharing personal details, refrain from sending any money, and contact police immediately.