Washington state couple sends $27K in cash in jail scam

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Police in a town in western Washington state are warning about a "grandparent" scam after a couple mailed $27,000 in cash to an address in Pennsylvania.

The Olympian reports Elma police say a couple in their 80s had received phone calls from scammers, telling them their grandson was in police custody.

They received a call from a person claiming to be a drug enforcement agent and another by someone crying hysterically claiming to be their grandson. They were told bail was $14,500 and attorney fees were $12,500.

The Elma couple sent the cash overnight and later called their grandson, who told them he was not in jail.

Elma Police Chief Susan Shultz says people should verify such requests with police or other family members before sending money.