Cash scam investigated in ISP Jasper District

The Indiana State Police Criminal Investigations Division in the Jasper District is investigating a cash-based scam via wire service.

According to a press release issued by ISP Sgt. Chad D. Dick, “Unknown persons will telephone an elderly resident and tell them that a family member has been arrested and needs bond money to be released from jail.”

The scams are working in this manner thus far.

Furthermore, the caller will correctly use a name that is identifiable to the scam victim — usually using the name of a child or other close relative.

The caller will then suggest he is of a certain police agency and will command the victim to call the supposed “police agency” at a number provided by the caller.

After dialing the given number and requesting to talk to the officer they believe they spoke to previously, the victim will be told to change the routing of the cash to a different U.S. city.

According to the press release, “The routing number is then requested by the suspect and usually provided by the unsuspecting victim.”

Once given, the wired cash is able to be obtained anywhere in the world.

“Residents are reminded to use extra caution when dealing with unknown individuals by telephone or internet,” according to the release. “Provide personal information to only trusted sites and known individuals.”

-Vince Zito