The Pennsylvania State Police, Troop N, would like to remind community members to be aware of a current scam affecting many people.

Scammers will contact you by phone and explain that your loved one (typically grandchild) is in trouble and currently in jail, or facing the possibility of jail, and 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, 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, they will send a courier to pick up the cash.

Here are some tips to help protect you and keep you from 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.

• Never place money in your mailbox or at your doorstep for someone to come and pick 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,” that 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.

• Trust your instinct, if it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Don’t be so quick to give away your hard-earned money. Call your family members directly to ensure they are fine. If you or anyone you know is a victim of a scam, contact law enforcement to have it investigated.