Fort Wayne, IN – Fort Wayne police are warning residents to stay alert as phone scams continue to target community members, sometimes costing victims thousands of dollars.
According to the Fort Wayne Police Department, scammers are using similar scripts designed to pressure people into sending money or sharing personal information. Officials say these calls often rely on fear, urgency, or false promises to trick victims into acting quickly.
Police stress that legitimate prizes never require payment. Callers may claim you’ve been “selected” for an offer or won a lottery, but if money is required upfront, it is a scam.
Authorities also warn that real law enforcement and federal agencies do not threaten arrest over the phone. Scammers may impersonate police officers or agencies like the IRS, claiming you will be arrested, fined, or deported if you don’t pay immediately. According to police, those threats are meant to scare victims into compliance and are not legitimate.
Residents are reminded that you never need to decide on the spot. Honest businesses will give you time to review written information before committing. High-pressure tactics are a major red flag.
Another key warning sign is demanding specific payment methods. Scammers often insist on wire transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or payment apps—methods that make it difficult or impossible to recover money. Police say anyone who insists on these payment types is likely a scammer.
Finally, officials emphasize that government agencies will not call unexpectedly to ask for sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers. If a caller claims to be from a government office and asks for personal details, police say the call is fraudulent.
Anyone receiving suspicious calls is encouraged to hang up immediately and report the incident. More information on phone scams is available through the Federal Trade Commission.
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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