Beware of scam callers impersonating local police

Fraudsters impersonating local police are calling would-be victims to demand payment of supposed “fines,” according to Attorney General Todd Rokita, and they are threatening arrest if the supposed fines are not paid immediately.

Further, these perpetrators are tricking caller ID into displaying phone numbers actually associated with local law enforcement. 

“Scammers are always getting increasingly more sophisticated in their techniques,” Attorney General Rokita said. “They might use the names of actual officers or police departments in their attempts to make you think they’re in law enforcement, but it’s all a ruse. Just remember that real officers wouldn’t call you on the phone and threaten to arrest you if you hang up without paying.” 

This scam is occurring not just in Indiana but nationwide. Advancements in technology allow scammers inside and outside of the country to target essentially anyone. That is why staying vigilant is so important.   

As the Federal Trade Commission recently noted, some of these scam callers say they’ve confiscated a package with your name on it. They might say it’s filled with money, illegal drugs or weapons. To avoid being arrested, they might say, you must send cash, deposit money at a Bitcoin ATM, buy gift cards and give them the numbers, or send money over a payment app like Zelle, Cash App, or Venmo. 

When would-be victims pause long enough to think about the oddity of such demands, they realize that real law enforcement officers would not operate in this manner. Sometimes, though, panic and manufactured pressure overrides rational thought. 

Anyone receiving these kinds of calls should simply hang up. 

If you can’t help wondering whether the call is legitimate, then contact the local police agency using a website or phone number you know belongs to them. 

You may report these scam attempts to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. 

If you have already provided personal information or money, file a consumer complaint immediately online at indianaconsumer.com or call 317-232-6330.    

For more information on avoiding scams, visit the Indiana Attorney General’s website at www.in.gov/attorneygeneral.