Dyer, IN – Police in Northwest Indiana are renewing warnings to residents after receiving continued reports of senior fraud and scam attempts, urging families to talk with elderly loved ones before criminals strike.
According to the Dyer Police Department, officers continue to take reports involving scams that disproportionately affect seniors, often leaving victims with little or no chance of recovering lost money. Police say in many cases, funds are gone almost immediately after being sent.
Authorities highlighted several common scam types impacting older adults in Dyer, Lake County, and surrounding Northwest Indiana communities, including phishing attempts, grandparent scams, fake government or law enforcement calls, and romance scams initiated online.
Phishing scams often involve emails or text messages designed to appear legitimate, tricking victims into clicking links or sharing personal information. Grandparent scams typically involve a caller posing as a distressed relative, claiming an emergency and demanding immediate payment. Other cases include phone or voicemail scams where callers impersonate government agencies, as well as romance scams in which victims are asked to send money to someone they have never met in person.
Police stress that residents should never provide sensitive information — such as banking details, Social Security numbers, or credit card numbers — over the phone or by text. Officials also advise hanging up on suspicious callers and independently verifying claims by contacting trusted family members or official agencies directly.
“If you are ever in doubt about the origin of a caller, contact the Dyer Police Department so we can help verify,” police said in a public advisory.
Families are encouraged to check in regularly with older relatives and neighbors, especially those living alone, to help prevent fraud before it occurs.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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