LA PORTE COUNTY, Ind. -- The La Porte County Sheriff's Office has identified a new phone scam occurring in the area where family members of recent arrestees are being targeted.

Authorities say the scammers are utilizing the public access portion of the La Porte County Jail record management system, JailTracker, via the agency’s website.

From there, authorities say scammers then identify arrestees and use other internet sources to find phone numbers for their relatives.

Scammers will then provide family members with bond and alternative programming information where some form of money is being sought. 

Law enforcement recommends the following tips to avoid being scammed:

• Be skeptical of urgency
• Never share sensitive information
• Don’t trust caller ID
• Never say “Yes” to unknown callers
• Hang up

Residents are encouraged to utilize call-blocking technology on their cell phone and register their phone on the National Do Not Call Registry.

Authorities are asking the public to report all frauds, scams, and bad business practices to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Anyone seeking inmate information should call the facility (219)-326-7700, ext. 2310.