Yuma businesses lose thousands in telephone scams

The Yuma Police Department said several local businesses have become the target of a new scam after several have reported receiving calls from a person demanding money.

According to police, fast-food restaurants and gas stations have been affected by the fraud.

Businesses are receiving calls from an unidentified person, asking them to exchange cash for pesos and deposit it into a bank in San Luis, Mexico.

According to a local McDonald’s manager, one location in Yuma fell victim to the fraud.

Police said the scams occur at night or in the morning hours.

They encourage employees to call police or managers for assistance if they’ve received a suspicious phone call.

Sgt. Lori Franklin said employees should report the fraud if they believe they might’ve fallen victim to the crime.