The Valparaiso Police Department would like to inform citizens of financial scams that have recently been reported in the area.  Within the last few weeks, Valparaiso Police have received numerous complaints where citizens have been fraudulently encouraged to pay large sums of money for a variety of circumstances.  Please remember, government agencies will not contact you by phone to demand immediate payment, nor will financial institutions or billing companies take pre-paid credit cards or gift cards as restitution.  These same institutions will not utilize fear or threaten immediate arrest for failure to comply with these requests.  Prior to using any new or unusual method of payment, or doing something out of fear, ask yourself if you have ever paid for services in the method that is being requested, or contact your local police department. Stop, do not be the victim of a telephone scam!  If you need assistance in Valparaiso, please contact us at 219-462-2135.  Alert sent on 09/11/2019 at 10:55 EDT Submit an Anonymous Tip To submit a tip via text message text VALPO and your tip to 847411  View alert online & share this alert with others Link to Agency