Police warning of uptick in phone and online scams

Come in various forms

(BROOKVILLE, Ind.) – There’s been a recent uptick in scams being reported in the area. 

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about these phone and online scams that are targeting residents, including senior citizens. 

"We have received multiple reports of various types of scams, including one particularly concerning incident in which a local resident was sent a Google Earth image of their driveway. While many individuals recognize these attempts as suspicious and disregard them, unfortunately, some have provided personal information or money in response," the sheriff's office said.

Here are some common scams being reported:

• Impersonation Scams: Callers claiming to be law enforcement, IRS agents, or utility representatives demanding immediate payment or personal details.

• Gift Card Scams: Victims are instructed to purchase gift cards and provide the codes as a form of payment.

• Tech Support Scams: Fraudsters posing as tech company employees to gain access to personal computers or bank information.

• Romance and Lottery Scams: Scammers creating fake online relationships or promising fake winnings to solicit money.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Do not provide personal or financial information over the phone or by email unless you initiated the contact.

• Hang up immediately if someone threatens arrest or legal action.

• Never pay anyone in gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers for debts or fees.

• Verify the identity of the caller through official channels before taking action.

If you believe you’ve been targeted or have fallen victim to a scam, please contact the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office at 765-647-4138. 

“We encourage all residents to talk with family members, especially elderly relatives, about common scams and how to avoid them,” Sheriff Peter Cates said. “Knowledge is one of our best defenses.”