PAINT TOWNSHIP, Pa. (EYT) — Clarion-based State Police say an 81-year-old Shippenville man is a victim of a phone scam that occurred in Paint Township, Clarion County.

Police say this crime occurred on January 6 as the victim received a call around 11:00 a.m. from whom he believed was his grandson advising that he was in trouble and needed money to be bailed out of jail.

He was directed to send the money via Western Union to a location in the Dominican Republic.

The victim then sent a large amount of money via Western Union and later learned that it was not at the request of his grandson and that his grandson was not in any trouble.

No dollar amount of the transaction was not released by police.

A reminder to public: This scam is one that has been attempted numerous times to the residents of Clarion County in the past. If you were to receive a call of a similar nature, obtain the number they are calling from and ask questions only the family member would know. Before sending any money, speak with family members or call the police. If you are directed to send the money out of the country, typically this is a scam.