2 arrested in large phone scam across Midwest; Minnesota authorities searching for additional victims

Authorities are investigating a group of people in connection to a complex phone scam circulating across Minnesota and the Midwest.

Prior Lake Police said its officers have been working with Blaine Police and several other agencies across Minnesota and the Midwest.

The suspects have been calling people and telling them a loved one has been arrested and they’re in need of money for bail and attorney fees. They then ask for large amounts of cash.

The suspects tell the victims not to report it to anyone, including the police, because of a gag order by a judge, police said.

The suspects then make arrangements to send a courier to the victim’s home to pick up the cash. In several cases, the courier arrived in a U-Haul rental vehicle, according to police.

Authorities are looking for any additional victims who may have been taken advantage of in a similar scam recently and urge them to call Prior Lake police at 952-440-3555 or email them at police@cityofpriorlake.com.

So far, police said two people have been arrested in connection to the scam. On Friday, 22-year-old Tyler David Glick, of Stoughton, Wis., and 34-year-old Paul Marcus Martin, of Waukegan, Ill. were arrested on theft by swindle charges.

The investigation remains active.