Ripley Co. Sheriff's Office Seeing Increase in Sophisticated Scams

individuals are claiming to be representatives from your bank, credit card company, or fraud/security department.

Shutterstock photo.

(Ripley County, Ind.) - 

The Ripley County Sheriff's Office is seeing an increase in sophisticated scams involving individuals who falsely claim to be representatives from your bank, credit card company, or fraud/security department.

These scammers are highly convincing and 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 Being Used:

• 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.”

The Sheriff's Office reminds you: 

• 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.

"These 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."

How to 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.
• If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately.
• 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.