In this photo taken April 3, 2015, Eleanor Blum, 88, solves crossword puzzles, as she lets her phone go unanswered at her in the Sherman Oaks area of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

UPPER PENINSULA — An elderly woman was recently targeted in a scam in the Upper Peninsula, prompting Michigan State Police (MSP) to warn residents about schemes that use fear-based tactics and impersonation to exploit seniors.

In a recent case handled by MSP, scammers contacted an elderly woman and claimed her computer had been hacked.

According to a news release, the scammers asked her to provide personal information — including her name, address and Social Security number — to verify her identity.

After obtaining this information, the scammers instructed her to withdraw money from her bank and threatened her with arrest if she did not comply. They also claimed a federal agent would come to her residence to collect the money.

“When the woman went to the bank, employees recognized the situation as suspicious and alerted her,” MSP said in a news release. “She then went to her local MSP post to get advice and did not send any money.”

MSP reminds residents that government agencies do not request personal information or money in this manner, and any legitimate request from law enforcement will be made in person.

Officials urge the public not to share sensitive information with unknown individuals or withdraw or transfer money in response to unsolicited requests. Anyone who receives a similar request should stop all communication with the scammer and not send money or provide personal information.

Residents with questions are encouraged to contact their local MSP Post or law enforcement agency. Additional information on how to recognize scams is available at MSP’s website: https://www.michigan.gov/consumerprotection/scams/recognize-a-scam.

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Sophie Vogelmann can be reached at 906-786-2021 or svogelmann@dailypress.net.