Several suspects were arrested in an investigation into fraud by the La Porte County Sheriff’s Department.
Continue readingSuspects Arrested in La Porte County Fraud Investigation
Weekly Unemployment Claims Down Significantly from Last Year but Some Delays Remain
The number of weekly initial unemployment claims in Indiana is down significantly from the peak a year ago, but some Hoosiers are still waiting for their claims to be processed.
Continue readingDepartment of Workforce Development Addresses Challenges with Unemployment Programs
Expanded unemployment benefits have taken effect in recent weeks, but there are a number of challenges preventing the Indiana Department of Workforce Development from getting those payments out quickly, according to department commissioner Fred Payne.
Continue readingDon’t Let a Skimmer Scam Ruin Your Summer
Federal Trade Commission officials are warning motorists to avoid being scammed by skimmers this summer travel season.
A “skimmer” is an illegal card reader that attaches to credit card slots and steals data off of your card’s magnetic strip. They’re used most frequently at gas pumps. Criminals sell this info or use it to buy items online. Card owners may not even realize their information has been stolen until they receive their statement or an overdraft notice.
Fortunately, there are a few ways to spot a skimmer to protect your personal information from potential thieves. Continue reading
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Offers Tips on How to Avoid Grant Scams
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is warning citizens to be aware of scammers who see the New Year as the perfect opportunity to prey on unsuspecting individuals looking to replenish funds after the holidays. Fraudulent grant offers are particularly pervasive,so HHS representatives have a few tips to keep in mind in order to protect yourself from tricksters.
First of all, no legitimate federal government employee would ever call to say you qualify or you’ve been approved for a grant you never applied for. Representatives say to look out for people who target individuals since all government grants involve an application process to carry out projects with a public purpose and are not intended for personal use. Continue reading
U.S. Marshal Phone Scam Alert
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a U.S. Marshal, be wary of their instructions. The Federal Trade Commission is warning people about a recent scam involving impostors threatening individuals with arrest in order to get money from them.
Consumer Education Specialist Bridget Small said that U.S. Marshals do a lot of things, they protect the federal courts, track down dangerous fugitives and transport thousands of prisoners. What they don’t do is make calls and threaten to arrest people or fine them for missing jury duty. Continue reading
Scam Reported to Area Police
The La Porte County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a scam that falsely uses a police officer’s identity to scam people out of money.
Don’t Fall Victim to Tax Scams
The IRS warns taxpayers of several scams that are making the rounds as 2016 draws to a close. Perpetrators of fraud use the telephone, email and traditional mail to try to scam unsuspecting people out of their money or personal information. Continue reading
Plymouth Police Warn of ATM Skimmers
Plymouth Police warn that skimmers have been discovered on several ATMS in the area. They are devices placed their by a third party to steal a customer’s information. Continue reading
LaPorte County Announces 10 Arrests for Bond Fraud Scheme
LaPorte County authorities have arrested 10 in connection with a scheme to bond inmates out of jail.
Secretary of State Working to Prevent Elder Abuse
Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson is urging residents to recognize the symptoms of elder abuse.
June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and the Secretary of State’s office says they are attempting to raise awareness. According to information released by Lawson’s offices, elder abuse can come in several forms.
Town of Winamac Changes Checking Accounts After Fraud Attempt
The Town of Winamac was recently clued into an alleged attempt to commit a fraudulent transaction by a piece of returned mail.
During last night’s Winamac Town Council meeting, it was learned that the Town received mail containing a check that was considered undeliverable to the eastern portion of the U.S. The Town’s return address was used in the fraudulent check.
Continue reading
LaPorte Man Loses Nearly $30,000 to Fraud
The victim said he did not make the transfers and he gave no approval for them. The case remains under investigation.
LaPorte Woman Victim of Fraud
The victim told LaPorte police that she recently received notification that the PIN for her Indiana Child Support VISA card had been changed. She did not initiate the change. She also found three separate charges to her account in the amount of $393. All of the transactions were made in Elm Hornchurch, London, England.
Walorski, Attorney General’s Office Hold Fraud, Identity Theft Workshop in Knox
Fraud Case Reported to LaPorte Police
A LaPorte woman reported a fraud case to the LaPorte City Police Department.
She told investigators that she obtained a Rush card through Citibank in Chicago which is an account in which her paychecks are deposited.
Pulaski County Sheriff warns of possible scams
If you get a phone call stating you’ve won $1 million, you may not want to quit your job just yet. Pulaski County Sheriff Mike Gayer says an area resident recently got such a call and was told he needed to send $1,500 to collect his winnings. Gayer says these scams are common and callers or written correspondence will actually use the name of a legitimate lottery or sweepstakes to further convince a potential victim.
Warning signs include a letter, email or text message announcing you won a prize in a lottery or sweepstakes you didn’t enter. Scammers also ask “winners” to send a fee or bank account details to collect a prize. Legitimate lotteries do not require you to pay a fee to collect winnings.
Demotte State Bank Warns Customers of Scam
The Indiana State Police received complaints today regarding a fraud alert from Demotte State Bank. According to a press release, the bank’s name is being used in a “phishing scam” to gain information from unsuspecting victims.
Northwest Indiana residents, especially those with Verizon telephone numbers, are receiving an automated message using a woman’s voice that their debit or credit card has been compromised. She then asks you to verify your account number and other information by having you go through a series of automated prompting questions. The numbers that will show up on your phone or caller ID are from out of state.
This is a phishing exploit to trick people into revealing personal and confidential information. Do not respond to any requests or give them any information. The scammers will likely use this information to withdraw money from your account or obtain credit in your name.
Demotte State Bank DOES NOT contact their customers in this matter. If you have given account or other personal information please contact Demotte State Bank and your local law enforcement immediately.
Winamac Man Arrested for Fraud, Theft
Andrew W. Sturgeon, 25, of Winamac was arrested Tuesday by Pulaski County Police on a warrant. The warrant included charges of Fraud on a Financial Institution, a Class C Felony; and Theft, a Class D Felony. Sturgeon allegedly stole $947.77 through false deposits and withdrawals.
According to the police report, officers were dispatched to First Federal Savings Bank in Winamac. When the officer arrived and spoke with Assistant Branch Manager Rhonda Lower, he was told that a customer, Sturgeon, had been making deposits at ATMs that were not correct. On June 24th, Sturgeon reportedly made a deposit of $300 at an ATM near the bank. When checked, there was only $30 in the envelope. After making the deposit, Sturgeon withdrew $260 from the account, which actually had a balance of only $30.92.
