Crime & Safety
Benton County, IN Scam Alert: Sheriff Warns of Phone Solicitations
Fowler, IN – Benton County residents northwest of Lafayette are being invited to join the annual Indiana Sheriffs’ Association membership program, while Sheriff John Cox is warning residents to be ale
By Cameron Hayes · 2026-10-01T18:44:47.171Z
Fowler, IN – Benton County residents northwest of Lafayette are being invited to join the annual Indiana Sheriffs’ Association membership program, while Sheriff John Cox is warning residents to be alert for organizations falsely claiming to represent him or the association.
According to a statement from the Benton County Sheriff ’s Office, Cox announced Thursday that the annual program allows individuals and businesses to support the sheriff’s office and Indiana Sheriffs’ Association community initiatives across the state.
The association is described by the sheriff’s office as a nonprofit professional, educational and service organization focused on training, public safety and the criminal justice system.
Membership support helps fund crime prevention and awareness programs, training for sheriffs and their personnel, and the association’s North and South Summer Youth Leadership Camps. Cox said the program has also supported college scholarships for Benton Central High School seniors pursuing studies related to law and society.
Benton County residents should soon receive membership applications through the mail, according to Cox. Those who do not receive an application can contact or visit the Benton County Sheriff’s Office or obtain membership information through the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association website at indianasheriffs.org .
Cox also emphasized that mailed information bearing his signature is the method used to invite residents and businesses to participate in the program.
The sheriff said the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association does not use telephone solicitation or other solicitation methods to recruit new members or renew existing memberships. He warned that organizations claiming otherwise may be attempting a scam.
Members receive a membership card, two association star decals and newsletters from the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association, according to the announcement.