Dyer, IN – Police across Northwest Indiana are warning residents about a rising “grandparent scam” that preys on older adults through emotional phone calls claiming a family emergency.
According to the Dyer Police Department, scammers are posing as grandchildren, nieces, or nephews in distress—often saying they’ve been jailed, hospitalized, or involved in an accident—and urgently need money for bail or medical costs. The callers may even send someone to the victim’s home to collect payment.
Authorities emphasize that no law enforcement, lawyer, or court will ever demand payment over the phone or send a courier for bail money. Police note that recent scams have grown more sophisticated, with some callers using AI-generated voices taken from social media to mimic real family members.
The Schererville Police Department shared Dyer’s alert, urging residents to verify any emergency claim directly with other family members before sending money or sharing personal information.
“If someone pressures you to pay immediately or refuses to let you hang up, it’s a red flag,” officials said. Residents who receive a suspicious call should hang up and contact 911 immediately.
Police add that these scams tend to spike during the holidays when families are more emotionally vulnerable. Raising awareness, they say, remains the best defense against victimization.
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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