(Versailles, Ind.) – Ripley County Sheriff’s Office investigators are on the verge of having charges filed in connection with a scam that used the name of a local church.

Sheriff Tom Grills said Thursday that investigators have identified individuals believed to be responsible for going door-to-door asking for money on behalf of the Hope Baptist Church located in Dillsboro last year.

In August 2012, the sheriff’s office received complaints of a scam and began an investigation. After a several months, suspects were located and interviewed. Other persons who may have been victims or witnesses have been spoken to as well. However, the investigation continues.

Currently, names are being withheld pending formal charging by the prosecuting attorney, Grills said.

The sheriff is encouraging anyone that was or may know a victim of this scam to come forward with information.  Call (812) 689-5558. 

“Scams are going on everywhere, and it is hard to keep up with them,” Grills said. “We, the Sheriff’s Office, attempt to keep up with all the complaints, but there are way more reported than we can investigate. I would like to remind everyone to make donations locally if you like, and to make sure you do not give personal information out over the phone or through the mail. Also, make sure you inquire with the three major credit bureaus to monitor your credit every year.” 

There is a large amount of identity theft happening as well. Folks can find more information on preventing identity theft on the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office website, www.ripleycounty.com/sheriff.

Sheriff Grills will be at Buckeye Village on Monday, January 21, at 10:00 a.m. to give a public seminar on how to protect yourself from scams and identity theft. 

LINKS:

Scammers Asking for Church Donations