Minnesota State Patrol warns of phone scam

St. Paul, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota State Patrol is warning residents about a phone scam.

Authorities say individuals identifying themselves as state troopers are leaving phone messages for people, telling them a family member has been hurt.

The victims are instructed to call *72 followed by a 1-800 number. Authorities say the code allows the unknown caller to charge long distance calls to the victim's phone service.

The State Patrol says individuals who receive such a call should contact local law enforcement.

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