MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) — Local law enforcement is warning citizens to beware of emergency scam calls.

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office has received several reports of emergency scams. According to officials, scammers are calling people or sending a message claiming a family member is in trouble and urging the victim to immediately wire money or purchase gift cards to resolve the emergency.

One specific case involved the scammers telling a family member a loved one had been abducted and would be harmed unless the family member wired money to the scammers. During the call, the scammers said not to tell anyone or contact law enforcement, per the MCSO.

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone who receives these phone calls to contact their loved one immediately. If you cannot contact them, call the MCSO at 970-242-6707 to help handle the situation.