Scam Messages Asking for Cash, Jewelry, Cops Say

Madison police are reminding residents not to fall for a scam that involves callers sending emails, texts or phone calls requesting large sums of cash or jewelry to help a relative in need.

Det. Kenneth Shannon said in a news release Wednesday such scams have been investigated by the Madison Police Detective Bureau and the department wants residents to be aware of them.

The fraud attempts can be made with untraceable phones and mass emails, and can include reports that a relative has been kidnapped or involved in a serious accident, the news release said.

"Residents are reminded to not fall prey to these scams and to verify the safety of their relative by simply contacting them," police said.

For more information call the Madison Police Department at 973-593-3000 or Det. Lt. Dennis Lam at 973-593-3012.