Lehigh County Chief Public Defender Kimberly Makoul is warning area residents numerous individuals have reported receiving telephone calls from a person claiming to be an attorney with the Lehigh County Public Defender’s Office.

The caller claims the individual’s child or grandchild has been charged with a crime and bail money must be sent to the attorney immediately.

He then directs the person to wire the money, often through Walmart, to a third person.

The caller is not from the public defender’s office.

Attorneys from the public defender’s office never collect money from anyone for any reason.

Makoul advises the public that anyone receiving a call requesting money should immediately contact the Lehigh County Public Defender’s Office at 610-782-3157.