The Whitley County Sheriffs Department has issued a fresh warning to residents about fraudulent phone calls pretending to come from a local construction company. These scams, reported as of September 5, 2025, aim to trick people into sharing personal details or money for fake services, highlighting a growing trend in phone fraud across Indiana.
Details of the Ongoing Scam
Scammers are posing as representatives from Brooks Construction Company, a firm known for commercial work like concrete and asphalt projects for state roads. Callers claim to offer services for private driveways or home construction, which the company does not provide.
Officials confirmed with Brooks Construction that these calls are not legitimate. The department received multiple reports this week, urging people to hang up immediately if they get such a call.
Residents described callers using high pressure tactics, asking for payment details or personal information right away. This fits a pattern seen in similar frauds where scammers exploit trust in local businesses.
How the Scam Operates and Its Impact
These fraudulent calls often start with an offer for driveway paving or repairs at a low price. Victims might be asked to pay upfront via wire transfer or gift cards, methods that are hard to trace.
One resident reported losing several hundred dollars before realizing it was a scam. Such incidents cause financial loss and emotional stress, as people feel violated by the deception.
Experts note that phone scams like this have spiked in 2025, with the Federal Trade Commission reporting over 2.6 million fraud complaints last year, many involving impersonation. In Indiana alone, losses from scams topped $100 million in recent reports.
The Whitley County case ties into broader trends, where scammers use publicly available business info to seem credible. This erodes community trust and burdens local law enforcement with investigations.
Similar Scams in Nearby Areas
Neighboring counties have seen related frauds, including calls pretending to be from sheriffs offices demanding money for fake warrants or jury duty misses. For example, White County warned about similar imposters just weeks ago.
In Warren County, a scam resurfaced in July 2025, involving arrest warrant threats. Victims were told to pay thousands to avoid jail.
Washington County reported incidents in March 2025, where scammers impersonated officials to collect supposed fines.
These cases show a regional pattern, with scammers adapting tactics to local news or events. Social media posts from affected residents highlight the fear and confusion caused.
- Common scam tactics include spoofing phone numbers to look local.
- Demands for immediate payment through untraceable methods.
- Threats of legal action or urgent problems to create panic.
Tips to Protect Yourself from Phone Scams
Always verify the callers identity by contacting the company directly using official numbers from their website. Never share financial details over the phone unless you initiated the call.
Report suspicious calls to the sheriffs department or the FTC at once. This helps track and stop scammers.
Educate family members, especially older adults who are often targeted. Community awareness can reduce success rates of these frauds.
Use call blocking apps and register your number on the Do Not Call list, though scammers often ignore it.
| Protection Step | Why It Helps | Action to Take |
|---|---|---|
| Verify Caller | Prevents falling for impersonation | Call back using official contact info |
| Avoid Sharing Info | Protects personal data | Hang up if pressured for details |
| Report Incidents | Aids investigations | Contact local police or FTC |
| Use Tech Tools | Blocks unwanted calls | Install scam detection apps |
Broader Context and Prevention Efforts
Nationwide, phone scams have evolved with technology, using AI to mimic voices or automate calls. A 2025 report from the Better Business Bureau noted a 20 percent rise in construction related frauds.
Local authorities are stepping up with public alerts and workshops. Whitley Countys warning follows similar efforts in counties like Whitfield and Auglaize.
Residents can join community meetings or follow sheriffs social media for updates. Staying informed is key to avoiding these traps.
Logical reasoning suggests scammers target areas with ongoing construction, like Indianas road projects, to blend in. This ties into recent state infrastructure spending, which hit $5 billion in 2025.
What Residents Should Do Next
If you have received a suspicious call, document the details and share them with authorities. This collective action can lead to arrests and fewer victims.
Communities thrive when people watch out for each other. By spreading this information, you help protect neighbors from financial harm.
Share this article with friends and family, and comment below if you have encountered similar scams. Your stories could help others stay safe.
