Schererville, IN — Police are warning residents to stay alert after a rise in scam phone calls targeting families of people allegedly being held in jail, officials said Wednesday.
According to the Schererville Police Department, scammers are calling residents and falsely claiming that a family member or friend has been confined at a local jail and needs immediate bond payment to be released. The department says these calls are becoming more frequent and more convincing.
Police emphasized that legitimate bond payments are never accepted through gift cards, cryptocurrency, Zelle, CashApp, Venmo, or PayPal. Any caller requesting payment through these methods should be considered suspicious.
Authorities also warned the public to be cautious of instructions to meet at unusual or last-minute locations to make a payment, which police say is another red flag commonly used in scams.
“If you receive a call from someone claiming to be an attorney or an employee of a police department or jail, hang up and call the department or jail directly using a verified phone number,” police said in a public statement.
Officials stressed that scammers often rely on urgency and fear to pressure victims into acting quickly before verifying the information. Residents are encouraged to slow down, confirm details independently, and report suspicious calls.
The warning applies to Schererville, Lake County, Northwest Indiana, and the greater Chicago metro area, where similar scams have been reported in recent months.
Police are asking residents to share the alert with friends and family, especially seniors and those who may be more vulnerable to phone scams.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
