A Bartholomew County couple was scammed out of $3,000 on Monday.

Bartholomew County Sheriff Matt Myers says that the couple received a telephone call from a person claiming to represent an out-of-state law enforcement agency. The scam artist told the couple that their grandson was in jail and needed $3,000 in order to be released.

Myers says that the couple was directed by the scammer to purchase $3,000 in iTunes cards. They scratched off the back and gave the numbers to the caller. On Tuesday, the couple received another call informing them that their grandson had bonded out and they would receive a refund for their $3,000. However, they were instructed to send another $2,000 in iTunes cards in order to receive the refund.

The Sheriff says that, fortunately for the couple, an unidentified party called his office and informed them as to what was going on. Myers says that the department intervened as the grandparents were attempting to purchase the additional $2,000 worth of iTunes cards and stopped them. He adds that while $2,000 was saved, the family is still out its initial $3,000.

Sheriff Matt Myers says that residents must be vigilant against fraud. He adds, “If someone wants to separate you from your hard-earned money, just hang up.” Myers continued, “Fraud is one crime that can be avoided. Hang up and call us.”