Lake County, IN – The Lake County Sheriff’s Department has become aware of a new phone scam targeting local residents. The scammers are attempting to trick individuals into giving up thousands of dollars by impersonating sheriff’s department employees.
The department has received several calls from people who reported receiving phone calls from someone claiming to be a Lake County Sheriff’s Department employee. These scammers are even able to manipulate caller ID to show a legitimate sheriff’s department phone number.
According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, the fraudsters typically claim that there is an active warrant for the person on the phone and demand immediate payment to avoid jail time. The scammers may request payment via cash transfer, gift cards, money order, or even cryptocurrency.
Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr. assured the public that the Lake County Sheriff’s Department will never contact civilians by phone to demand payment for a warrant. Additionally, no member of the sheriff’s department will meet the public to collect funds of any type. Officers will not contact the public to warn them before making a legitimate arrest.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and not fall victim to these scams. If anyone receives a call from someone claiming to be from the Lake County Sheriff’s Department and demanding money, they should hang up immediately and dial 9-1-1.
