Thank you for visiting the official website of the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office. It is our hope that the information contained on this site is helpful to you. We take our role as public servants seriously. We exist to serve and protect every member of our community and welcome and value your opinions and thoughts on how we are doing in serving you and our community. Our success depends on a strong community partnership.
Amber Alert System
Sign up for Wireless AMBER Alerts ™
The first three hours after a child is abducted are the most critical to recovery efforts. Wireless AMBER Alerts™, an initiative of NCMEC and the wireless
industry, have the potential to reach more than 242 million wireless subscribers with information to help bring abducted children home quickly and
safely. Wireless subscribers capable of receiving text messages and those whose providers participate in the initiative can sign up to receive free text
message by the following: Text AMBER followed by a space and five-digit ZIP code to AMBER (26237)
History of the Amber Alert Plan
In January 1996, nine year old Amber Hagerman was riding her bicycle when a neighbor heard the girl scream. The neighbor saw a man pull Amber off her bike,
throw her into the front seat of his pickup truck, and drive away at a high speed. The neighbor called police and provided a description of the suspect and
his vehicle, but couldn't recall much else. Arlington, TX police and the FBI interviewed other neighbors and searched for the suspect and vehicle. Local
radio and TV stations covered the story in their regular newscasts. Four days later, Amber's body was found in a drainage ditch four miles away. Her throat
has been cut. Her kidnapping and murder remain unsolved.
A concerned citizen contacted a Dallas, TX radio station suggesting the idea that Dallas radio stations should repeat news bulletins about abducted children just
like they do severe weather warnings. The idea was presented to the general managers of the radio stations in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. They agreed that
such a program would provide an important public service and might help save the life of a child.
The Dallas Amber Plan was started in July 1997 to help safely recover missing children that police believe have been abducted. Since then, the program has
successfully recovered eight children and expanded to other cities and states nationwide.
Although the Amber Plan is named after Amber Hagerman, this national program is dedicated to all children nationwide who've been abducted. According to the
U.S. Department of Justice, up to 4600 children are abducted by strangers every year (about 12 children nationwide every day).
Amber Alert Plan was launched in Indiana on October 1, 2002.
The Indiana Amber Alert Plan
Amber Alert Plan is a statewide notification program to help locate abducted and endangered children within the first 24-hours which are the most critical hours
in an abduction. The power of free, over-the-air electronic media is the best way to quickly reach Indiana citizens who may have information leading to the
return of a missing or abducted child. Through the Indiana Amber Alert Plan, listeners and viewers will become the eyes and ears for police, and hopefully
aid in the return of the child. Each city or state's Amber Plan program is administered separately in accordance with EAS procedures approved by the FCC.
Each program establishes its own Amber Alert criteria, activation procedures, and distribution methods.
For example, the Indiana Amber Alert Plan has four Alert criteria:
1. The child must be under 18 years of age
2. The child must be believed to be abducted, and in danger of serious bodily harm or death
3. There must be enough descriptive information to believe the broadcast will help.
4. Request must be recommended by the law enforcement agency of jurisdiction.
Missing adults and runaways do NOT qualify for Amber Alert activitation in Indiana. Children taken in child custody disputes generally will not qualify for an
Amber Alert unless there is specific credible information indicating a child may be in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death.
The Amber Alert Plan in Indiana distributes Amber Alerts using the Emergency Alert System (EAS), but also integrates broadcast fax, e-mail, broadcast station news
sources and the amberalertindiana.com web site.
For more information on the Amber Alert Plan in Indiana contact: The Indiana State Police Missing Children @ 317-232-8310.
Download a copy of the Amber Alert Indiana Engrossed Senate Bill 20.
The Amber Plan is endorsed by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. This non-profit center was founded by John Walsh after the
abduction and murder of his son, Adam. John is also the host of "America's Most In February 2002 the FCC amended its rules for the Emergency Alert System to add a
new Child Abduction Emergency (CAE) event code which may be used to activate the Amber Alert Plan messages. The FCC has "strongly encouraged" radio, TV stations and cable outlets to voluntarily use the new CAE event code as soon as their EAS encode/decorder equipment can be modified.
Visit the FCC's website (www.fcc.gov) for more information about the Emergency Alert System.
Sign up for Wireless AMBER Alerts ™
The first three hours after a child is abducted are the most critical to recovery efforts. Wireless AMBER Alerts™, an initiative of NCMEC and the wireless
industry, have the potential to reach more than 242 million wireless subscribers with information to help bring abducted children home quickly and
safely. Wireless subscribers capable of receiving text messages and those whose providers participate in the initiative can sign up to receive free text
message by the following: Text AMBER followed by a space and five-digit ZIP code to AMBER (26237)
History of the Amber Alert Plan
In January 1996, nine year old Amber Hagerman was riding her bicycle when a neighbor heard the girl scream. The neighbor saw a man pull Amber off her bike,
throw her into the front seat of his pickup truck, and drive away at a high speed. The neighbor called police and provided a description of the suspect and
his vehicle, but couldn't recall much else. Arlington, TX police and the FBI interviewed other neighbors and searched for the suspect and vehicle. Local
radio and TV stations covered the story in their regular newscasts. Four days later, Amber's body was found in a drainage ditch four miles away. Her throat
has been cut. Her kidnapping and murder remain unsolved.
A concerned citizen contacted a Dallas, TX radio station suggesting the idea that Dallas radio stations should repeat news bulletins about abducted children just
like they do severe weather warnings. The idea was presented to the general managers of the radio stations in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. They agreed that
such a program would provide an important public service and might help save the life of a child.
The Dallas Amber Plan was started in July 1997 to help safely recover missing children that police believe have been abducted. Since then, the program has
successfully recovered eight children and expanded to other cities and states nationwide.
Although the Amber Plan is named after Amber Hagerman, this national program is dedicated to all children nationwide who've been abducted. According to the
U.S. Department of Justice, up to 4600 children are abducted by strangers every year (about 12 children nationwide every day).
Amber Alert Plan was launched in Indiana on October 1, 2002.
The Indiana Amber Alert Plan
Amber Alert Plan is a statewide notification program to help locate abducted and endangered children within the first 24-hours which are the most critical hours
in an abduction. The power of free, over-the-air electronic media is the best way to quickly reach Indiana citizens who may have information leading to the
return of a missing or abducted child. Through the Indiana Amber Alert Plan, listeners and viewers will become the eyes and ears for police, and hopefully
aid in the return of the child. Each city or state's Amber Plan program is administered separately in accordance with EAS procedures approved by the FCC.
Each program establishes its own Amber Alert criteria, activation procedures, and distribution methods.
For example, the Indiana Amber Alert Plan has four Alert criteria:
1. The child must be under 18 years of age
2. The child must be believed to be abducted, and in danger of serious bodily harm or death
3. There must be enough descriptive information to believe the broadcast will help.
4. Request must be recommended by the law enforcement agency of jurisdiction.
Missing adults and runaways do NOT qualify for Amber Alert activitation in Indiana. Children taken in child custody disputes generally will not qualify for an
Amber Alert unless there is specific credible information indicating a child may be in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death.
The Amber Alert Plan in Indiana distributes Amber Alerts using the Emergency Alert System (EAS), but also integrates broadcast fax, e-mail, broadcast station news
sources and the amberalertindiana.com web site.
For more information on the Amber Alert Plan in Indiana contact: The Indiana State Police Missing Children @ 317-232-8310.
Download a copy of the Amber Alert Indiana Engrossed Senate Bill 20.
The Amber Plan is endorsed by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. This non-profit center was founded by John Walsh after the
abduction and murder of his son, Adam. John is also the host of "America's Most In February 2002 the FCC amended its rules for the Emergency Alert System to add a
new Child Abduction Emergency (CAE) event code which may be used to activate the Amber Alert Plan messages. The FCC has "strongly encouraged" radio, TV stations and cable outlets to voluntarily use the new CAE event code as soon as their EAS encode/decorder equipment can be modified.
Visit the FCC's website (www.fcc.gov) for more information about the Emergency Alert System.
Friends of The Sullivan County Sheriff's Office
The Friends of the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) organization governed by a volunteer board of directors created in 2007 with the purpose of promoting and enhancing the positive image of the Sullivan County Sheriff's Department and funding valuable programs beyond the means of the department budget.
How YOU Can Help
We gratefully accept corporate and individual tax-deductible donations that will help fund the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office community programs.
The Friends of the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization governed and staffed by volunteers. Because of this, the Friends has no administrative costs. The full amount of your donation goes toward the community programs we sponsor. Donation can be made via the PayPal button below or checks may be sent to:
Friends of the Sullivan
County Sheriff's Office
24 S State St
Sullivan, IN
47882
PayPal charges the Friends 2.9% plus a $0.30 transaction fee, which is deducted from your donation.
Friends: Duke Energy, Brampton Brick, and Sullivan County Community Foundation
The Friends of the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) organization governed by a volunteer board of directors created in 2007 with the purpose of promoting and enhancing the positive image of the Sullivan County Sheriff's Department and funding valuable programs beyond the means of the department budget.
How YOU Can Help
We gratefully accept corporate and individual tax-deductible donations that will help fund the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office community programs.
The Friends of the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization governed and staffed by volunteers. Because of this, the Friends has no administrative costs. The full amount of your donation goes toward the community programs we sponsor. Donation can be made via the PayPal button below or checks may be sent to:
Friends of the Sullivan
County Sheriff's Office
24 S State St
Sullivan, IN
47882
PayPal charges the Friends 2.9% plus a $0.30 transaction fee, which is deducted from your donation.
Friends: Duke Energy, Brampton Brick, and Sullivan County Community Foundation
Help Victims of Domestic Abuse
911 Cell PhoneBank
By donating your old cell phone you are doing more than just providing emergency communications for someone in need. You are helping provide funds that
support the activities of law enforcement and victims services organizations nationwide.
Funds are provided to non-profit agencies for each donated cell phone. Each cell phone is added to the “Bank” of available emergency cell phones for law enforcement. Use the link below to print your pre-paid mailing label.
Donate Now!
CODA - Council on Domestic Abuse
Shelter, Advocacy and Referrals, Community Education, Court Accompaniment. (812) 232-1736 24 Hour Crisis Line
Sullivan County Victim’s Advocate: Jan Milliken 812-268-6008 Click Here for a downloadable brochure
Indiana Statewide VINE Resources
VINE is the Indiana County Jails' automated victim notification service. It provides information about the custody status of offenders in Indiana jails. Victims and other concerned citizens can register to be notified by phone, email, text message (SMS) or TTY device when an offender's custody status changes.
You may register by calling 1-866-959-VINE or online by clicking here: VINELink
TTY Services for the Hearing Impaired call: 1-866-847-1298
VINELink FAQ PDF
VINELink Quick Reference Guide
VINE is the Indiana County Jails' automated victim notification service. It provides information about the custody status of offenders in Indiana jails. Victims and other concerned citizens can register to be notified by phone, email, text message (SMS) or TTY device when an offender's custody status changes.
You may register by calling 1-866-959-VINE or online by clicking here: VINELink
TTY Services for the Hearing Impaired call: 1-866-847-1298
VINELink FAQ PDF
VINELink Quick Reference Guide
Gun Permits
You can complete your gun permit application and schedule an appointment for electronic fingerprinting on line 24 hours a day. Go to the Indiana State Police web site. http://www.in.gov/isp/ On the left side of the page click on Firearms Licensing. Then, in the middle of the page click on Firearms Application Process.
- Someone will be available assist you with completing an application and/or getting your background investigation for a gun permit between the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday - Friday at the Sheriff's office. In addition, you can get your inked fingerprints done at that time. Take note. If you choose to send in inked prints the approval process will take up to three months as opposed to a few days when submitting prints electronicaly.
If you live within the city limits of a town within the county you must apply for your gun permit, usally at the city hall, of that town.
Four year permits are $40.00 ($10 local and $30 to the state.)
Lifetime permits are $100.00 with a current valid permit ($40.00 local and $60.00 to the state.)
- Lifetime without a current valid permit are $125.00 ($50.00 local and $75.00 to the state.)
- All local fees must be paid in cash. State fees must be paid by money order made out to the State of Indiana.
- Those with a current valid four year permit cannot apply for a lifetime permit until you are 180 days from expiring. No exceptions are permitted.
Other states that honor Indiana Gun Permits are AK, AL, AR, AZ, CO, FL, GA, ID, KY, LA, MI, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NH, OK, PA, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, and
WY.
Indiana honors any permit issued by any other state or political subdivision and District of Columbia. Illinois and Wisconsin are Non CCW issue states
and do not honor any states permits.
To check out current handgun laws go to www.handgunlaw.us
Other states that honor Indiana Gun Permits are AK, AL, AR, AZ, CO, FL, GA, ID, KY, LA, MI, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NH, OK, PA, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, and
WY.
Indiana Sheriff's Association
The Indiana Sheriffs Association is a nonprofit, professional, educational, and service organization comprised of the 92 county sheriffs, their deputies and other law abiding citizens throughout the state.
The membership program was instituted to provide citizens with an opportunity to lend their support of crime prevention and awareness programs, promote public safety, provide more and improved training for sheriffs and their personnel plus support the Summer Youth Leadership Camps and College Scholarships for teenagers interested in law enforcement that are provided by the association.
Membership includes Membership Card, decals and one year subscription to Indiana Sheriff.
For more information or an Online Application contact the Indiana Sheriffs Association.
The Indiana Sheriffs Association is a nonprofit, professional, educational, and service organization comprised of the 92 county sheriffs, their deputies and other law abiding citizens throughout the state.
The membership program was instituted to provide citizens with an opportunity to lend their support of crime prevention and awareness programs, promote public safety, provide more and improved training for sheriffs and their personnel plus support the Summer Youth Leadership Camps and College Scholarships for teenagers interested in law enforcement that are provided by the association.
Membership includes Membership Card, decals and one year subscription to Indiana Sheriff.
For more information or an Online Application contact the Indiana Sheriffs Association.
Indiana Sheriffs' Sex and Violent Offender Registry
You can research the Indiana Sheriffs' Sex and Violent Offender Registry by clicking here: http://sheriffalerts.com/cap_main.php?office=54878
Sheriff Sale Information
(Click link above for current Sheriff Sales)
What should I do before I bid?
Take a closer look. - It is strongly recommended that persons planning to bid at a Sheriff Sale make a site visit to the property prior to the sale. Many persons have bid on vacant lots thinking that they were bidding on a property containing residential structures. The Sheriff's Office is not authorized to permit or arrange for entry into properties listed for Sheriff Sale.
Consider the rehab costs - While there are some "bargains" to be had at Sheriff Sale, potential bidders, especially those seeking residential properties, are cautioned that property conditions may vary widely. The properties are not guaranteed in any way and debts against that property may become yours. The Sheriff's office does not guaranteee a free and clear deed. Sheriff sales are "buyer beware". It is for this reason we suggest a title search be done on any property you may be interested in and that you seek legal advice.
Acceptable forms of payment at the Sheriff's Sale are cash, money order and/or certified bank checks. No credit cards, debit cards, personal or business checks are accepted at the sale.
(Click link above for current Sheriff Sales)
What should I do before I bid?
Take a closer look. - It is strongly recommended that persons planning to bid at a Sheriff Sale make a site visit to the property prior to the sale. Many persons have bid on vacant lots thinking that they were bidding on a property containing residential structures. The Sheriff's Office is not authorized to permit or arrange for entry into properties listed for Sheriff Sale.
Consider the rehab costs - While there are some "bargains" to be had at Sheriff Sale, potential bidders, especially those seeking residential properties, are cautioned that property conditions may vary widely. The properties are not guaranteed in any way and debts against that property may become yours. The Sheriff's office does not guaranteee a free and clear deed. Sheriff sales are "buyer beware". It is for this reason we suggest a title search be done on any property you may be interested in and that you seek legal advice.
Acceptable forms of payment at the Sheriff's Sale are cash, money order and/or certified bank checks. No credit cards, debit cards, personal or business checks are accepted at the sale.
CRIME STOPPERS
TO REPORT A CRIME CLICK HERE: http://www.wvcrimestoppers.org/
TO REPORT A CRIME CLICK HERE: http://www.wvcrimestoppers.org/
SCAM ALERT
From the Office of the Attorney General
Common Scams:
Phishing
A high-tech scam designed to obtain people’s financial information, “phishing” uses spam to deceive consumers into disclosing their credit card numbers, bank account information, Social Security numbers, passwords and other sensitive information. E-mail messages asking you to update, validate, or confirm account information are widespread, and some even threaten consequences if you don’t respond.
The Nigerian Scam
FTC informants have recently reported receiving dozens of offers from supposed Nigerian officials who promise big profits in exchange for help moving large sums of money out of their country. According to the FTC, these “officials”, offer to transfer millions of dollars into your bank account in exchange for a small fee.
Vacation Prize Promotions
Electronic certificates congratulating you on “winning” a fabulous vacation for a very attractive price are another common scam. Often, the cruise ship and hotel accommodations are shabby, and you may be required to pay more for an upgrade.
Credit Repair
Credit repair scams offer to erase accurate negative information from your credit file so you can qualify for a credit card, auto loan, home mortgage or a job. However, only time, a deliberate effort and a personal debt repayment plan will improve your credit. Remember if lie on an application for a loan, job, or credit card, you will be committing fraud.
Business Oportunities
These scams promise a lot of income without much work or cash outlay. The solicitations trumpet unbelievable earnings and claim that the business doesn’t involve selling, meetings or personal contact with others. These scams are usually illegal pyramid schemes masquerading as legitimate opportunities to earn money.
Bulk E-mail
Bulk e-mail solicitations offer to sell you lists of e-mail addresses so you can send your own bulk solicitations. However, sending bulk e-mail violates the terms of service of most Internet service providers (ISPs). Several states have laws regulating the sending of unsolicited commercial e-mail, which you may unwittingly violate by sending bulk e-mail.
Chain Letters
You’re asked to send a small amount of money—usually between $5 and $20—to each of four or five names on a list, replace one of the names on the list with your own, and then forward the revised message via bulk e-mail. Chain letters are almost always illegal, and nearly all of the people who participate in them lose their money.
Work-At -Home Schemes
Envelope-stuffing solicitations promise steady income for minimal labor. Commonly, you’ll pay a small fee to get started, then, you’ll learn that the e-mail sender never had real employment to offer. Instead, you’ll get instructions on how to send the same envelope-stuffing ad in your own bulk e-mailings. If you earn any money, it will be from others who fall for the same scheme.
Health and Diet Scams
Pills promising you’ll lose weight without exercising or changing your diet and cures common problems are among the scams flooding e-mail boxes. Beware of testimonials from “cured” consumers or “famous” medical experts you’ve never heard of. These ads usually use phrases like “scientific breakthrough,” “miraculous cure,” “exclusive product,” “secret formula” and “ancient ingredient.”
Effortless Income or Investment
The trendiest get-rich-quick schemes offer unlimited profits exchanging money on world currency markets; newsletters describing a variety of easy-money opportunities; the perfect sales letter; and the secret to making $4,000 in one day. The thought of easy money may be appealing, but success generally requires hard work. Investment schemes promise outrageously high rates of return with no risk. Promoters of fraudulent investments often close down before they can be detected and reopen under another name, and sell another investment scam.
Free Goods
Some e-mail messages offer valuable goods, like cell phones, TVs and computers, at no cost to you. You’re asked to pay a fee to join a club and then told that to earn the offered goods, you have to bring in a certain number of participants. Most of these messages are pyramid schemes that inevitably collapse.
Some e-mail messages offer home-equity loans that don’t require equity in your home, regardless of your credit history. Usually, the home equity loans turn out to be useless lists of lenders who will turn you down if you don’t meet their qualifications.
RESOURCES
The Federal Trade Commission is equipped to deal with questions and complaints regarding spam. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues please visit www.ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The Consumer Protection Division of the Indiana Attorney General’s Office works to safeguard the rights of Indiana citizens every day. If you have questions or complaints regarding spam scams or other consumer issues, contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division using the address and phone number listed at the bottom of page 1, or visit www.IndianaConsumer.com for more information.
Substance Abuse Scam
Throughout the state of Indiana the relatives of inmates who are incarcerated for drug-related offenses are receiving phone calls advising them that there is a substance abuse program available that their loved one can participate in, in lieu of going to prison. They are told that once they have sent a money order for $900 the inmate will be transferred to the program.
This is a scam and is not associated with any sheriff's office or the INDOC. If you receive a phone call like this do not give the caller any personal or financial information and contact the SCSD at 812-268-4308.
Duke Energy Scam
Recent scams in Duke Energy’s service territories have left some customers out of money and without power. These customers were scammed by individuals or companies claiming to represent Duke Energy. Duke Energy reminds you to protect yourself by contacting us and local law enforcement if you suspect or experience fraudulent activity. Based on current events, Duke Energy has formed this list of fraud prevention tips to protect customers:
Duke Energy will never contact you and ask for account or personal information. Even if your caller identification displays Duke Energy’s name or phone number, choose to hang up and call the company directly at 1-800-777-9898.
Do not accept offers from anyone, including those claiming to be Duke Energy employees, to pay your bill or provide any other service for a fee.
Duke Energy only charges convenience fees for payments using its automated phone system and one-time payments made through its website. The company does not charge extra fees for paying bills by mail, at authorized pay agent locations or through customers’ online banking services.
If you or someone you know has a question about whether someone is a legitimate representative of Duke Energy, call the company at 1-800-777-9898. Call police immediately if you believe the person is an imposter.
Guard against fraud – never share your personal information, including birthday, Social Security number or banking account information.
From the Office of the Attorney General
Common Scams:
Phishing
A high-tech scam designed to obtain people’s financial information, “phishing” uses spam to deceive consumers into disclosing their credit card numbers, bank account information, Social Security numbers, passwords and other sensitive information. E-mail messages asking you to update, validate, or confirm account information are widespread, and some even threaten consequences if you don’t respond.
The Nigerian Scam
FTC informants have recently reported receiving dozens of offers from supposed Nigerian officials who promise big profits in exchange for help moving large sums of money out of their country. According to the FTC, these “officials”, offer to transfer millions of dollars into your bank account in exchange for a small fee.
Vacation Prize Promotions
Electronic certificates congratulating you on “winning” a fabulous vacation for a very attractive price are another common scam. Often, the cruise ship and hotel accommodations are shabby, and you may be required to pay more for an upgrade.
Credit Repair
Credit repair scams offer to erase accurate negative information from your credit file so you can qualify for a credit card, auto loan, home mortgage or a job. However, only time, a deliberate effort and a personal debt repayment plan will improve your credit. Remember if lie on an application for a loan, job, or credit card, you will be committing fraud.
Business Oportunities
These scams promise a lot of income without much work or cash outlay. The solicitations trumpet unbelievable earnings and claim that the business doesn’t involve selling, meetings or personal contact with others. These scams are usually illegal pyramid schemes masquerading as legitimate opportunities to earn money.
Bulk E-mail
Bulk e-mail solicitations offer to sell you lists of e-mail addresses so you can send your own bulk solicitations. However, sending bulk e-mail violates the terms of service of most Internet service providers (ISPs). Several states have laws regulating the sending of unsolicited commercial e-mail, which you may unwittingly violate by sending bulk e-mail.
Chain Letters
You’re asked to send a small amount of money—usually between $5 and $20—to each of four or five names on a list, replace one of the names on the list with your own, and then forward the revised message via bulk e-mail. Chain letters are almost always illegal, and nearly all of the people who participate in them lose their money.
Work-At -Home Schemes
Envelope-stuffing solicitations promise steady income for minimal labor. Commonly, you’ll pay a small fee to get started, then, you’ll learn that the e-mail sender never had real employment to offer. Instead, you’ll get instructions on how to send the same envelope-stuffing ad in your own bulk e-mailings. If you earn any money, it will be from others who fall for the same scheme.
Health and Diet Scams
Pills promising you’ll lose weight without exercising or changing your diet and cures common problems are among the scams flooding e-mail boxes. Beware of testimonials from “cured” consumers or “famous” medical experts you’ve never heard of. These ads usually use phrases like “scientific breakthrough,” “miraculous cure,” “exclusive product,” “secret formula” and “ancient ingredient.”
Effortless Income or Investment
The trendiest get-rich-quick schemes offer unlimited profits exchanging money on world currency markets; newsletters describing a variety of easy-money opportunities; the perfect sales letter; and the secret to making $4,000 in one day. The thought of easy money may be appealing, but success generally requires hard work. Investment schemes promise outrageously high rates of return with no risk. Promoters of fraudulent investments often close down before they can be detected and reopen under another name, and sell another investment scam.
Free Goods
Some e-mail messages offer valuable goods, like cell phones, TVs and computers, at no cost to you. You’re asked to pay a fee to join a club and then told that to earn the offered goods, you have to bring in a certain number of participants. Most of these messages are pyramid schemes that inevitably collapse.
Some e-mail messages offer home-equity loans that don’t require equity in your home, regardless of your credit history. Usually, the home equity loans turn out to be useless lists of lenders who will turn you down if you don’t meet their qualifications.
RESOURCES
The Federal Trade Commission is equipped to deal with questions and complaints regarding spam. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues please visit www.ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The Consumer Protection Division of the Indiana Attorney General’s Office works to safeguard the rights of Indiana citizens every day. If you have questions or complaints regarding spam scams or other consumer issues, contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division using the address and phone number listed at the bottom of page 1, or visit www.IndianaConsumer.com for more information.
Substance Abuse Scam
Throughout the state of Indiana the relatives of inmates who are incarcerated for drug-related offenses are receiving phone calls advising them that there is a substance abuse program available that their loved one can participate in, in lieu of going to prison. They are told that once they have sent a money order for $900 the inmate will be transferred to the program.
This is a scam and is not associated with any sheriff's office or the INDOC. If you receive a phone call like this do not give the caller any personal or financial information and contact the SCSD at 812-268-4308.
Duke Energy Scam
Recent scams in Duke Energy’s service territories have left some customers out of money and without power. These customers were scammed by individuals or companies claiming to represent Duke Energy. Duke Energy reminds you to protect yourself by contacting us and local law enforcement if you suspect or experience fraudulent activity. Based on current events, Duke Energy has formed this list of fraud prevention tips to protect customers:
Duke Energy will never contact you and ask for account or personal information. Even if your caller identification displays Duke Energy’s name or phone number, choose to hang up and call the company directly at 1-800-777-9898.
Do not accept offers from anyone, including those claiming to be Duke Energy employees, to pay your bill or provide any other service for a fee.
Duke Energy only charges convenience fees for payments using its automated phone system and one-time payments made through its website. The company does not charge extra fees for paying bills by mail, at authorized pay agent locations or through customers’ online banking services.
If you or someone you know has a question about whether someone is a legitimate representative of Duke Energy, call the company at 1-800-777-9898. Call police immediately if you believe the person is an imposter.
Guard against fraud – never share your personal information, including birthday, Social Security number or banking account information.