Secretary of State Diego Morales warns Hoosiers to stay alert as scammers use new tricks instead of treats this Halloween

Indiana – As Halloween nears, Indiana officials are reminding residents that the scariest threats this season may not come from haunted houses or costumes—but from scammers posing as trusted figures. Secretary of State Diego Morales and the Indiana Securities Division have issued a warning urging Hoosiers to be on guard against increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes that target victims both online and in person.

The alert follows the release of the 2025 Enforcement Report from the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA), which highlights some of the top threats facing consumers this year. According to the report, scams involving digital assets, social media, and impersonation continue to surge nationwide. Criminals are increasingly using advanced technology—including artificial intelligence—to create fake voices, videos, and identities that appear legitimate.

These scams often trick victims into sharing personal information, transferring funds, or granting remote access to their devices. What makes them particularly dangerous is their growing realism—messages and videos can now look and sound like they come from real officials, financial experts, or even family members. By the time victims realize they’ve been deceived, the damage is often done.

Read also: Residents encouraged to shred personal documents and safely dispose of old medications this Saturday in Pembroke Pines

“Our office is working hard to protect Hoosiers from scams that target their hard-earned money. We urge everyone to stay cautious, double-check before investing, and report suspicious activity immediately,” said Diego Morales, Indiana Secretary of State.

While online scams continue to dominate, officials warn that in-person scams are also becoming alarmingly common. In one recent case, investigators arrested a suspect who traveled across the country to collect hundreds of thousands of dollars in person from a victim who believed they were investing in cryptocurrency. Authorities say this incident is part of a growing “pig butchering” scheme—a type of fraud in which scammers build a relationship of trust over time, only to convince victims to invest in fake financial opportunities.

Other reports have described criminals posing as “gold traders” or “bankers”, contacting people online to build rapport before showing up in person to collect cash, gold, or gift cards under false pretenses. These scams are not only financially devastating but also deeply personal, as victims often feel ashamed or betrayed once the truth comes to light.

Read also: Community gathers to discuss the future of the Orangebrook Golf Course redevelopment project in Hollywood

To help prevent such losses, the Indiana Securities Division is urging residents to take a few critical steps:

• Verify before you invest by checking the registration of investment professionals at Securities.sos.in.gov
• Be skeptical of unsolicited offers, especially those made through social media or messaging apps
• Don’t rush into financial decisions—high-pressure tactics are almost always a red flag
• Report suspicious activity immediately by calling 317-232-6681 or visiting the state’s securities website

Officials stress that awareness is the best defense. As scammers evolve their tactics using new technologies, Hoosiers must remain vigilant and rely on official sources before acting on any investment or financial opportunity.

This Halloween, Secretary Morales reminds residents that while ghosts and goblins may be harmless fun, scammers are the real monsters to watch out for. Staying alert, verifying before investing, and reporting anything suspicious can help keep both your money and peace of mind safe from these deceptive “tricks.”