Indiana residents have been increasingly targeted by sophisticated scams in recent months. From fraudulent investment schemes to deceptive utility threats, these scams have resulted in significant financial losses. Here’s an overview of the top scams currently affecting Hoosiers.
1. Gold Investment Scam: $80,000 Lost to Fraudulent FBI Posing
A Carmel man, Kris Owen, lost $80,000 of his life savings to a gold investment scam. The fraudsters posed as FBI agents, claiming that his funds were at risk due to a fabricated drug-related case in Texas. They convinced him to purchase gold bars for safekeeping, which were later stolen. The FBI has reported that such gold scams have collectively cost Americans $126 million in the past year .
2. Cryptocurrency Scam: $36,000 Recovered in Grant County
In Grant County, a victim was deceived into depositing $36,000 into a Bitcoin ATM. The suspect, Prateek Jain from Kolkata, India, was charged with felony fraud and money laundering. Authorities managed to recover the full amount, and Jain is currently facing legal proceedings .
3. Phantom Hacker Scam: Fraudsters Posing as Tech Support
The “phantom hacker” scam involves fraudsters posing as tech support representatives, financial institutions, or government officials, claiming that foreign hackers have accessed the victim’s account. They instruct victims to transfer money to a “safe” account, which is actually controlled by the scammers. This scam primarily targets older individuals and has led to significant financial losses .
4. Utility Payment Scam: Threats of Immediate Service Disconnection
Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) has reported a significant increase in scams where individuals impersonate utility company representatives, threatening immediate service disconnection unless payment is made via gift cards or wire transfers. These scammers often visit homes unannounced, claiming urgent issues that require immediate payment. I&M emphasizes that they never demand such payments and urges customers to be vigilant .
5. Charity Scam: Fraudulent Solicitations During Tax Season
With tax season approaching, fraudulent charity scams are on the rise. Scammers pose as legitimate charity representatives, using emails, fake websites, and altered caller IDs to mislead potential donors. The IRS advises individuals to verify charity information using the Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) tool, take their time before donating, and avoid using gift cards or wire transfers for donations .
Protect Yourself: Key Tips to Avoid Scams
- Verify Information: Always confirm the legitimacy of unsolicited communications, especially those requesting personal or financial information.
- Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Requests: Be cautious of unexpected calls, emails, or messages, particularly those urging immediate action or payment.
- Use Secure Payment Methods: Avoid using gift cards or wire transfers for payments, as these are often favored by scammers.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov.
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