Beware of Caller ID Spoofing

May 19, 2016AuthorMary Perren, WKVI 

The latest telephone scam reported in the area involves so-called “caller ID spoofing.” The LaPorte Police Department has received several reports of people getting calls from alleged IRS or police department representatives regarding IRS business. The caller ID shows the LaPorte Police Department number, and when residents call to verify information they get the same scam caller back.

Authorities stress that any time someone calls demanding money, personal or bank account information or threatens you if you don’t provide it, it is a red flag a scam is afoot and you should immediately hang up.

They add caller ID is not always a reliable way of telling who is calling. That’s because scammers use fake caller ID information to trick people into thinking they are getting a call from a legitimate business or agency. That is called “spoofing.”

Visit https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/scammers-can-fake-caller-id-info for tips on how to handle and report these types of calls.

NIPSCO Reports Increase in Phone Scams

Posted onApril 7, 2016AuthorMichael Gallenberger

NIPSCO is warning customers of a spike in reports of telephone scams. The company says it’s heard from a number of customers who say they’ve gotten suspicious calls from people claiming to be NIPSCO employees. The callers demand immediate payment or threaten that the customers’ service will be disconnected.

NIPSCO reminds customers that it never demands that those who are behind on payments buy a prepaid debit card to avoid having their service shut off.

If you receive a call, e-mail, or other communication and are unsure whether it actually came from NIPSCO, call 1-800-4-NIPSCO to double check. More information can be found on NIPSCO’s website.