Crown Point, Indiana — A phone scam using fake Lake County government caller IDs is prompting warnings from the sheriff’s department.
According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, scammers are contacting residents by phone and text while falsely claiming to work for the department. The callers allegedly demand immediate payment for issues such as missed court appearances, arrest warrants, summonses, jail bond fees, or ankle bracelet home monitoring.
Officials say the callers often use spoofed phone numbers that appear to come from Lake County government offices, making the calls seem legitimate. In several reported cases, victims had recently been arrested or had a loved one arrested, increasing the urgency and believability of the scam.
The sheriff’s department said some victims have been persuaded to send money within hours of receiving the calls. Others were reportedly instructed to purchase money orders and visit the sheriff’s department in person or mail payments to addresses provided by the scammers.
Authorities warn that scammers are pushing victims to use multiple payment platforms, including Apple Pay, Cash App, and bitcoin or other digital currency machines.
Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr. emphasized that the Lake County Sheriff’s Department will never call or text residents demanding money to clear a record, avoid arrest, pay bond, or cover ankle bracelet monitoring costs.
Officials urge residents not to send money or provide personal information to anyone claiming to be law enforcement over the phone. Anyone receiving such a call is advised to hang up and contact the sheriff’s department directly using an official phone number.
The warning is especially relevant for commuters, students, and working adults who may receive unexpected calls during the day and feel pressured to act quickly.
Residents are encouraged to share the alert with family members, particularly elderly relatives or those with recent court involvement.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.
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