Beware of telephone scams disguised as police agencies

ELKHART, Ind. – The Elkhart Police Department released on Wednesday a warning of telephone scams reported in the area, claiming to be the department.

Authorities stated scammers are using an application that mirrors the department’s non-emergency number, which hides their actual number to the person they are calling.

The Elkhart Police Department is reminding citizens that the department would never ask for money over the phone for any reason and arrest warrants would never be dismissed if paid over the phone.

If you are ever contacted by the department, make sure to verify the officer’s name and badge number, and contact the police department if still in doubt to verify.

This is a common scam used over the phone and with tax season opened, keep in mind the IRS will not ask for payment over the phone.

To ensure the protection of your information, the Elkhart Police Department advises to:

• Never give payment information, credit or debit card information, or account numbers over the phone.
• Government agencies will not take payment over the phone.
• Verify that you are actually speaking to the correct organization before giving any information.

Anyone with information on this crime or any other crime is asked to contact the department at (574) 295-7070.

Calls can also be made through Michiana Crime Stoppers at (574) 288-STOP, (800) 342-STOP, or online.