Shawano County couple loses $2,000 in scam

WITTENBERG, Wis. - Authorities are warning of a scam that targets grandparents after a Shawano County couple lost hundreds of dollars.

Gordon and Agnes Schlender got a phone call recently telling them their grandson was in jail and that they needed to wire $2,000 to Florida. Agnes Schlender says they thought they were helping their grandson, but that wasn't the case.

After talking with their grandson, they realized it was a scam. But, it was too late. They had wired the money. Now the couple hopes others can learn from their mistake. Gordon Schlender says they'll be more aware when "things don't sound just right."

Marathon County Sheriff's Lt. Bill Millhausen tells WAOW-TV that before you send money, do some investigating and contact other family members to verify a caller's story.