Fort Wayne, IN – Police are alerting residents this week about a surge in phone scams targeting individuals across Fort Wayne and Allen County. Officials warn that scammers are using fake prize offers and threats of arrest to trick victims into sending money or personal information.
According to the Fort Wayne Police Department, scammers often claim you’ve “won a prize” or been “selected” for an exclusive offer — but if you’re asked to pay to claim it, it’s not real. “If you have to pay to get the prize, it’s not a prize,” the department emphasized in a recent post.
Police say fraudsters may also impersonate federal agencies or law enforcement, threatening arrest or deportation if victims don’t pay supposed fines immediately. “Real law enforcement agencies will never call and threaten you,” the department noted.
Residents are reminded to take time before making any payments or commitments. Legitimate businesses won’t pressure you to decide on the spot. Scammers frequently demand specific payment types, such as gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, to make recovering funds difficult.
Authorities add that government agencies will not call to verify Social Security numbers or request sensitive information. Anyone receiving such calls should hang up immediately and report the attempt.
For more information on how to identify and report scams, residents can visit the Federal Trade Commission website at https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/phone-scams.
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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