Greenfield, IN – As the holiday season approaches, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department is warning residents about a surge in scam calls falsely claiming to be from law enforcement.
According to the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department, several residents have reported receiving phone calls from individuals impersonating deputies and demanding payment. Officials stressed that none of these calls are legitimate and that deputies will never ask for money or financial information over the phone.
Authorities said the scammers are attempting to pressure victims into depositing money into Bitcoin machines, buying gift cards, or sending wire transfers. They also noted that scammers frequently try to convince victims to withdraw cash or transfer funds to accounts that cannot be verified.
“Legitimate businesses and law enforcement agencies will never request payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency machines, or wire transfers,” the department stated. Residents are advised to hang up immediately if a caller requests money or personal information.
The department urged people to avoid giving out financial details, avoid purchasing gift cards for payment, and never follow instructions to withdraw or transfer funds for someone whose identity cannot be confirmed. Anyone who receives a suspicious call is encouraged to directly contact the real Hancock County Sheriff’s Department at 317-477-1147 to verify whether the call was legitimate.
Officials also asked residents to share the warning with friends, neighbors, and especially elderly family members, who are often targeted by similar scams.
Community members who believe they may have already interacted with a scam caller are encouraged to report the incident as soon as possible.
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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