Danville, Indiana – Hendricks County officials are warning residents about rising fraud calls targeting elderly residents.
According to the Hendricks County Sheriff’s Office, reports of scam attempts have increased in recent weeks, prompting a public fraud alert shared through its Crime Tips page.
Officials said common tactics include callers posing as law enforcement officers claiming a person has an arrest warrant or missed jury duty. Other scams involve individuals pretending to be hospital staff reporting a family emergency, toll agencies claiming unpaid balances, or technology companies alleging a compromised computer.
The sheriff’s office said requests for payment through Bitcoin, other cryptocurrency, gift cards, or electronic wire transfers are red flags. Authorities emphasized that legitimate government agencies do not demand payment in those forms over the phone.
Investigators also warned about online romance scams that lead to financial requests, as well as fraudulent ticket sales on Facebook Marketplace.
Residents who receive suspicious calls are advised to hang up immediately and avoid returning follow-up calls. If a device or email account appears compromised, officials recommend shutting down the device and restarting it before seeking assistance.
The alert may be particularly relevant to elderly residents and those without regular access to social media, who officials say are often targeted.
Anyone who believes they have been scammed is encouraged to contact local law enforcement.
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