LATROBE BULLETIN--Latrobe police warned on Friday of several scams reported to the department, detailing financial loss for area residents.

In one incident, police say an elderly female resident received a phone call from a convincing scammer claiming to be the victim’s grandson and in need of financial help. The person calling said he was out of the country, on vacation and ran into trouble or had his financial documents stolen and he needed money wired immediately.

In another incident, a scammer claiming to be from the IRS called a resident stating they owed back taxes and that they would be prosecuted to the highest level if they did not pay immediately with some type of gift card.

Even after several scam warnings, these people were able to convince a compassionate grandmother and a worried resident to send something of monetary value.

Latrobe police caution residents to be aware of these phone calls and if anyone is unsure of the validity of the phone call, they should hang up. Police also advise to investigate the circumstances of the call by calling other family members.

Police urged residents to not send any money. If the IRS is searching for a resident, they will contact them in person or by registered mail.

“Once again, never give out or confirm personal or financial information over the phone,” a release from the department said.