Over the past couple of weeks, the Crown Point Police Department has taken several reports involving telephone and email/online scams.
The scams allege targeted victims are under investigation by a branch of federal or local government or their computer system is infected with a virus.
The fraudsters tell victims they must send money to clear up the situation, asking those targeted to withdraw money and convert it to Bitcoin, or provide personal computer, banking or credit card information.
“Under no circumstances will a government agency or reputable company request the use of Bitcoin, pre-paid gift cards or pre-paid money cards as a form of payment,” Crown Point Police Cmdr. Norman Isaacs said. “These fraudsters use the threat of non-compliance and expediency to entice their victims into falling prey to their scam.”
If anyone is unsure if they are being scammed, Isaacs said they should call their bank, credit card company or the police department for assistance. Most importantly, Isaacs encouraged the public to avoid opening or responding to any suspicious-looking emails without first confirming the sender’s web identity.
The Crown Point Police Department offers free brochures with tips on avoiding fraud inside the police station lobby at 124 N. East St.
For additional resources or to report a crime, the Crown Point Police Department recommends the public visit the Federal Trade Commission, ftc.gov, or the Indiana State Police Internet Crime Complaint Center, ic3.gov.
