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The Columbia Police Department is warning the public about potential phone wire transfer scams.

Officers took a report on November 30 from a woman saying she received a call from a subject claiming to be her grandson.

The subject claimed that he was in jail in Mexico City, Mexico and needed her to send him money via wire transfer. The woman tried to call her grandson to verify this information but when unable to reach him called Columbia police.

Officers were able to reach the grandson, who was not in Mexico.

The Columbia Police Department has these tips to keep you safe from similar scams:

1) Never send money or give out personal information (credit card numbers/expiration dates, bank account numbers, dates of birth or social security numbers) to unfamiliar companies or unknown persons.
2) If you call the number back to verify the information and a recording picks up that does not state the name of the company, it is a scam.
3) Make a phone call to verify a relative is sick, stranded, in jail, etc.
4) Before you send money, ask yourself a simple question; "What guarantee do I have that this solicitor will use my money in the manner we agreed upon?"
5) Be skeptical-Always take your time making a decision. Legitimate companies won't pressure you to make a snap decision.
6) Take safety precautions. Don't pay by credit card, cash or money order.
7) If something doesn't seem right, it's not right.