Merrillville, IN – Residents in Merrillville are being warned of a new wave of scam phone calls and text messages targeting the community this week.
According to the Merrillville Police Department, scammers are impersonating police officers and town officials while attempting to trick people into sending money. In some cases, callers allegedly tell residents that paying could prevent an arrest. Police stress that this is fraudulent, noting that officers will never call residents demanding payment.
Authorities also report an increase in scam text messages. Some of these texts claim to be from elected officials in the Town of Merrillville. Police emphasize that these messages are not legitimate and should not be trusted.
If residents receive one of these calls or texts, officials urge them not to provide personal information or send money. Instead, they should contact the Merrillville Police Department or the Town of Merrillville Administrative Office to verify any suspicious communications.
The department said public awareness is crucial to stopping these scams. “Your safety and peace of mind are our top priority,” police wrote in a statement, encouraging residents to share the warning with neighbors to ensure no one falls victim.
