(Ripley County, IN) – The Ripley County Sheriff’s Office says it is seeing an increase in sophisticated scams involving those who falsely claim to represent your bank, credit card company or a fraud prevention or security department.
Deputies say the scammers often use spoofed phone numbers that make it appear the call is coming from your financial institution.
They may already have limited personal information about you, which makes the call seem legitimate.
- Common tactics that deputies say they’re seeing are:
- Claiming your account has been compromised or involved in fraud.
- Instructing you to screen share your phone, tablet, or computer.
- Directing you to download remote access apps.
- Telling you to move your money to a “safe account.”
- Instructing you to wire money to the FBI, Federal Reserve, or another government agency.
- Pressuring you to act immediately to “protect your funds.”
Authorities also say:
- No legitimate bank will ask you to screen share your device.
- No legitimate agency will ask you to wire money to them for safekeeping.
- The FBI will NEVER ask you to transfer money to protect it.
You’re urged not to provide personal or banking information, or click on links or download apps at the direction of an unsolicited caller.
Deputies say the criminals are patient, manipulative, and skilled at creating urgency and fear. Once they gain access to your device through screen sharing or remote access, they may obtain account numbers, passwords, and other sensitive information.
Authorities also say you should hang up immediately if you receive a suspicious call, and to contact your bank directly.
Here’s how you can protect yourself:
- Do not click on links or download apps at the direction of an unsolicited caller.
- Do not provide account numbers, passwords, or verification codes.
- Call your bank directly using the phone number printed on the back of your card.
- Never wire or transfer money at someone else’s direction without independently verifying their identity.
If you believe you have been targeted or victimized, contact the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office as soon as possible and notify your financial institution immediately.
