Recent Bookings Scam Circulating Vanderburgh County
The Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about a scam that involves recent bookings, and they want the community to spread the word.
There is always someone out there trying to trick you into giving them some money. These scammers have gotten very creative throughout the years. There are countless ways in which people can scam you out of money. It's hard not only to keep up with them, but it has also gotten even harder to decipher what is legitimate and what is a scam. That's certainly the case with the most recent scam in the area.
From time to time, I will find myself looking through the recent bookings on the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office website. I know for a fact that I am not the only one who does. Whether it be just out of curiosity, to stay informed, or even for some, entertainment, the recent bookings page gets quite a few views on a daily basis. Last year, scammers decided to use that recent bookings page to target family members of recently incarcerated individuals in the Evansville area, and it looks like now they are back at it.
Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Recent Bookings Scam
According to a post on social media from the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office, scammers are contacting friends and family members of recently booked individuals by posing as bail bondsmen or Sheriff's Office personnel and claiming there is a "state-funded deferral program" available to secure the release of a loved one from jail. Victims are told their family member can be placed on house arrest and are offered several payment packages ranging from approximately $1,500 to $1,800.
This is 100% a scam, even though for those receiving the call, it might sound legitimate. The Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office says:
The scammers may introduce themselves as sergeants or other law enforcement officials and often call from blocked or private phone numbers. Their stories can sound convincing, especially when they appear to know details about a recent arrest.
Please remember:• The Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office does not call people to collect money.• We do not accept payments over the phone.• provide payment, banking information, gift card numbers, or personal information to unsolicited callers.• If you receive a call claiming to be from our office, hang up and contact us directly using a phone number you know is legitimate. ' , .Scammers often target people during stressful situations and rely on urgency and emotion to pressure victims into acting quickly. ' , .
If you believe you have been targeted or victimized, contact the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office at 812-421-6200.
How to Avoid Getting Scammed
So, how do you make sure you are avoiding being scammed? The Office of the Indiana Attorney General offers these few tips:
If you think a text might be a scam, contact the company using a phone number or website you know is real.
Blocking or using restricted phone settings is an easy way to stop spam text messages.
Don’t share any personal information over text. This is not a secure method of communication, and legitimate services won't ask for personal information through text messages.
Put a freeze on your credit to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name in the event of a breach.
Don't respond to spam texts. This allows scammers to know your account is active.
Report text scams. Forward them to 7726 (SPAM). This helps your wireless provider spot and block similar messages.
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