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Citizens should be watchful for a scam that is being used in this area, said Cowley County Undersheriff Don Read Tuesday.

Unknown callers are contacting individuals on the pretense that they are a son, grandson or other relative asking for financial help. The caller may have been able to obtain personal identifying information about the victim's relative, like birth date, address or names of other relatives, giving the victim more reason to fall for the scam.

"I just want people to be aware of what's going on, so that they can be very careful if they get one of these calls," said Read.

"Be sure you know who you're talking to."

He suggested asking more personal questions of the caller that only the relative would know, such as "Who was your childhood pet?"

The scam has been used in the Wichita area. One woman in Cowley County received a phone call, but the caller hung up before any money was solicited.

Everyone is encouraged to call the sheriff's office, (620) 221-5444, if they receive a suspicious or threatening phone call.