Authorities in LaPorte say a 63-year-old woman lost nearly $5,500 in an IRS phone scam. She told police she received several telephone calls from a number with a 916 area code but did not answer them. Continue reading
Beware of Scam Bank Telephone Calls
Customers of a local bank are reportedly receiving scam telephone calls advising their information has been compromised. Continue reading
LaPorte Woman Gets Taken By Internet Scammer
A LaPorte woman is out $1,000 after responding to a bogus Craigslist ad. The Oct. 1 posting advertised a Jeep Grand Cherokee for sale. The victim told LaPorte Police she contacted the seller, who said his name was Frank Carter and he told her he was listing the vehicle for his sister. Continue reading
IRS Warns of New Scam Tactics
Scammers posing as IRS agents have separated unsuspecting victims from upwards of $20 million over the past few years, according to federal officials. They may call, email or send a letter threatening arrest, deportation or license revocation unless immediate payment of back taxes is made. Continue reading
State Police Warn of Call Spoofing Scam
The Indiana State Police confirm the published telephone number for their general headquarters in downtown Indianapolis has been spoofed over the last few days. That’s the practice of masquerading as someone else by falsifying the number as it appears on the call recipient’s caller ID display. In this case, people across the country receiving the calls saw 317-232-8248 come up. Sometimes the caller reportedly spoke with a “thick Indian accent” and claimed to be from the Indiana State Police. He then proceeded to ask for personal information from the caller and threatened arrest if they did not comply. Continue reading
Facebook Malware – Think Before You Click That Link
Unwanted game requests from acquaintances aren’t the only things you have to worry about as a Facebook user these days. One pesky concern is Malware. Malware is an umbrella term used to refer to a variety of forms of hostile or intrusive software. In attempt to steal personal information from your Facebook account deceitful tagging is utilized. Continue reading
Beware of Cell Phone Hackers
Sensitive information on your cell phone may be at risk. Hackers are accessing personal info by using misleading text messages as well as spy apps. “Spy apps” are designed to help parents keep track of their children or reduce the likelihood of infidelity in relationships, however some people misuse them to access your email, text messages, call logs and even your current location. Unfortunately these apps are hard to detect and run invisibly in the background, fortunately there must be a physical installation. So as long as you know and trust anyone who has access to your phone, this is not something you should be worried about.
However, a more common hacking scheme happens with misleading messages, and anyone with a cell phone and an email account is a target. Nettitude explains how penetration testing works and how it can help protect you from hackers. Continue reading
Beware of Storm Cleanup Scam Artists
Scam artists may be trying to take advantage of Hoosiers who sustained property damage as a result of recent storms. Indiana Department of Homeland Security spokesman John Erickson warns fly-by-night contractors may show up in hard-hit areas. He says they may offer immediate help, collect a down payment for promised work and disappear. Continue reading
IRS Scams Increasingly Common According to Indiana AG
The Indiana Attorney General’s Office says IRS phone scams are leading their list of complaints in 2015.
Hoosiers may be familiar with the scam if they receive a call from the IRS demanding payment for past-due taxes. According to the Attorney General’s office, scammers might threaten arrest and jail time if payment is not received. Investigators largely say victims take drastic steps, fearing possible IRS action.
Chamber: Advertising Company Using Questionable Tactics
Some questionable business tactics are being used to sell advertising.
That’s according to a notice sent by the Starke County Chamber of Commerce to its member business. The Chamber says it was notified by members that local businesses had been receiving phone calls from companies claiming to sell advertising for maps.
Continue reading
IRS Scam Targets LaPorte Man
A LaPorte man is being described as the victim of an Internal Revenue Service scam according to police.
The 53-year-old says he received a phone call from a man claiming to be an IRS agent, and that he needed to pay nearly $1-thousand or be subject to arrest. Following the suspect’s advice, the victim sent pre-paid credit cards through Western Union.
Continue reading
Police Warn of IRS Scams
Scammers claiming to be IRS agents are attempting to separate unsuspecting people from their money. That was the case recently in LaPorte, where a woman was swindled out of $600. She told police a man at “Russ Card Live” identified himself as an IRS agent, told her she was being sued and she needed to send $600 via Money Gram pre-paid card to an address in California. Continue reading
Beware of Aggressive Telephone Scammers
A Knox resident has received several scam telephone calls from numbers with an 855 area code. She tells WKVI News one call claimed there was a problem with her computer that could be fixed remotely if she would prepay via debit. Other calls asked for information about bank accounts and provided other sorts of personal information. Continue reading
NIPSCO Warns of Bill Payment Scam
NIPSCO warns customers of a scam involving bill payments. Impersonators claiming to be NIPSCO employees call customers, tell them their bills are delinquent and request immediate payment to avoid a service disconnection.
Never give personal information, including Social Security numbers and banking information, to unconfirmed sources. NIPSCO only asks for a Social Security number when a customer is applying for new service or to validate an account holder when a customer calls to obtain account information, complete a transaction or service-related request over the phone. Continue reading
Police Warn of Phone Scam
Several complaints of a phone scam have been received by the Knox City Police Department.
According to police, residents are getting phone calls by people claiming to be from NIPSCO and demanding payment on their bill. The caller threatens the resident that a utility worker will arrive at their residence to shut off power in an hour if the payment is not made during the phone call.
Beware of Charity Checks
Beware of a charity check that may come your way
Charitable organizations including those raising money for breast cancer and hospice are seeking donations by mail from area residents. They send a check to the resident made out for $2.50 with instructions to it back with an additional contribution. However, the fine print states less than 5 percent of the proceeds go to the charity.
Keep this in mind if you get a check like this in the mail.
Caller Warns of Wal-Mart Mailing Scam
WKVI news has received word of a new scam using a popular discount store chain as a ploy to access people’s money. If you get a card or letter in the mail stating that you’re set to receive a $100 credit from Wal-Mart but need to pay $4.19 to claim it, throw it in the trash. Continue reading
LaPorte Woman Falls Victim to Phantom Debt Scam
LaPorte police are warning of a phantom debt scam making its way around Northern Indiana.
A LaPorte woman told police that she received a text message on Thursday from her supervisor that she needed to call 202-239-8194 as soon as possible regarding fraudulent activity with the victim’s social security number. The supervisor received the call at work and notified the victim.
Marshall County Sheriff’s Department Issues Scam Alert
Marshall County Sheriff’s Department officials are warning residents of a local scam.
Several reports have been made to police that an agency claiming to be collecting funds for the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department is calling residents for donations. The caller claims that funds are being raised to donate teddy bears to local police.
LaPorte Couple Reports Tax-Related Identity Theft
Visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website to learn how to guard against identity theft and the steps to take should your identity be stolen. You can access all this information at http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0014-identity-theft.
