Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Recent Bookings Scam

The Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about a scam that involves recent bookings.

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. Now, it looks like someone has decided to look at the recent bookings page to create a new scam in the Evansville area.

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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 and asking if they’d like to post a bond on their behalf. This is 100% a scam, even though for those receiving the call, it might sound legitimate. The Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office says:

. They will be collected by phone, email or text.
The Vanderburgh County Jail will call you and provide a link or website to bail a friend or family member out.
If you receive a phone call or message like this, and . Instead, contact the Vanderburgh County Clerk’s Office or the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office directly for accurate information.

 

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.

If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, file a complaint at www.indianaconsumer.com with Attorney General Rokita’s office.