DATE: July 13, 2023
SUBJECT: Phone Scam Alert
RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-NR-0713
CONTACT: Chief Deputy Nathan Sugarman
AUTHORITY: Sheriff Noah Robinson
Phone scammers are at it again. The Sheriff’s Office has received several reports that potential victims are receiving phone calls from an individual claiming to be a Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s deputy informing them that they have a warrant for their arrest for missing a court appearance. The potential victims are told that their outstanding warrant can be settled by purchasing gift cards or providing a pre-paid debit card number. In the reported cases, the scammers are using the names of actual Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s deputies. While it is common for law enforcement officers to contact individuals over the phone to follow up on ongoing investigations, the Sheriff’s Office never requests payment over the phone to satisfy outstanding warrants.
Area residents are advised to treat any unsolicited caller who requests payment, money card numbers, or personally identifiable information with extreme skepticism, regardless of who the caller claims to represent.
TIPS to avoid being scammed:
- Never give personally identifiable information over the phone
- Do not agree to meet a caller in-person
- Check bank statements and credit reports for fraud on a routine basis
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