INDIANAPOLIS — Scammers are impersonating law enforcement via phone to try and steal from you.
A 13News viewer told us the scammer who contacted her spoofed the Marion County Sheriff's Office phone number.
Spoofing is when a caller intentionally hides their identity by changing the information sent to your caller ID.
The scammer told the 13News viewer that she missed a trial and is facing two citations as a result. The first citation would be for failure to appear, and the second citation for contempt of court. The fines, which were not real, would total $4,000.
That is when the person asked for her credit card information to pay.
Sgt. Angela Ellison, with the Fishers Police Department, said police will never ask for money over the phone.
"It's OK to hang up. You don't have to be polite," Ellison said. "In fact, that's the best defense you'll have is to hang up."
Ellison added that police officers are not going to tell you that you have a warrant and that you can pay to get out of it.
While the viewer did not fall for the scam, she wants others to know it exists.
She found it especially concerning because the person on the phone had some of her personal information.
Oftentimes, your name, address, even relatives' information can be found with a quick internet search.
That is why it is important to periodically search your name and request that sites remove your information.
While each site takes down profiles differently, the process is relatively simple.
For example, on Fast People Search, the opt-out process starts with entering your email here. Then, track down your profile and click remove. If the removal option does not come up, refresh the page.
After you click "remove" or "opt-out," an email is sent to you, confirming your request. Your profile will remain active if you do not click confirm.
While stopping the scammers is nearly impossible, Ellison wants to remind us to share these stories with family and friends.
"It's important for groups to talk about this amongst themselves. Talk about this at Thanksgiving this year. Talk about this at your next family gathering," Ellison said.
That way, people are aware these scams exist.