Two elderly people scammed out of $75K in Jennings County

Police urging public to speak to elderly family members

(NORTH VERNON, Ind.) – The Jennings County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public after two elderly people fell victim to scams. 

Deputies say more than $75,000 was lost after scammers convinced the two people that they had won Publisher’s Clearing House or a new car.

“Please have a talk with your elderly family members about scams and how to avoid them,” the sheriff’s office said. 

Some key points to identify a scam:

• Don't click on links or open attachments in emails or text messages from unknown senders or those you didn't expect.

• Be cautious of unsolicited calls, especially those claiming to be from official organizations.

• Be wary of suspicious messages or links on social media, especially those from unfamiliar accounts.

  
  

How to Verify A Legitimate Situation:

• If you're unsure about an email or message, contact the sender directly through a trusted channel, such as their official website or a known phone number, not the one in the suspicious communication.

• Ensure any website you're visiting is secure by looking for "https" and a padlock icon in the address bar.

  
  

How To Protect Personal Information:

• Never Share: Don't share your personal information, such as your Social Security number, bank account details, or passwords, in response to unsolicited requests.

  
  

• Secure Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts.

  
  

Be Careful with Online Transactions:

• Use traceable payment methods, like bank transfers or checks, when making online purchases or paying for services.

  
  

• Scammers often request payment through gift cards or wire transfers, which are difficult to track and reverse.

Report Suspicious Activity:

If you suspect a scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.