Police across central and southern Indiana are warning people in the Latino community about a scam that involves threats and the use of a revered religious figure.
Columbus Police Department Sgt. Matt Harris says the scam begins with cards bearing the image of the Virgin Mary being passed out in Hispanic communities.
On the other side of the card is a phone number to call if you are having problems.
"When this phone number is called, the suspect on the other end of the line tells the caller that a hex or spell has been placed on the family," says Harris. "And they are told they need to bring a large sum of money to have the hex or spell removed."
It is unclear how many victims may have turned over what investigators think involves thousands of dollars per family.
Sgt. Harris says that is because they don’t think the crime is being reported.