Bartholomew County Sheriff Matthew A. Myers says his office and the name of his own deputy are being used in a telephone scam.

The caller has identified himself as Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Captain Brandon Slate in his attempt to obtain personal information.

“When you call the number back, it returns to a non-functioning number”, said Sheriff Myers. Authorities stress that this is a scam and that you should not give personal information over the phone. This scam has resulted in at least one local resident losing $1,000.

Myers says that his office believes that scammers are getting deputies names online. He adds that there are concerns that information sounds so professional, many people, especially older residents, may provide the requested information.

If you receive this type of call, please do not provide any information. Hang up and call the Sheriff’s Office at 812-379-1650 to verify if a BCSO Deputy actually made the telephone call.

If you receive one of these calls or if you have any information, no matter how seemingly insignificant, please contact:

Detective Terry Holderness
Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office
812-565-5927

This incident remains under investigation.