INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) - Indiana State Police are warning Hoosiers to be on the lookout for scammers who are using their phone number to con people out of money.
Police say people are getting phone calls that look like they are coming from ISP's Lafayette District. The caller is then asking people to send money to avoid being arrested.
Police say the number the scammers are using shows up on caller ID as 765-567-2125 and the caller tells you if you don't send money or gift cards, you'll be arrested. Some of the scams have also come in the form of a text message from the same number.
State police is reminding citizens that their officers will never call to ask for money.
When receiving a call, never assume the caller ID is correct, and know that scammers will often use the names of local officers or agencies or even your own family members. If you receive a call from a number you don't recognize, don't answer. If it's someone that needs you, they will leave a voicemail. If in doubt, call the local agency or family member back to verify the call or voicemail.
Similar scams have been reported in Indiana where callers claim to be from the FBI, IRS or Publisher's Clearinghouse, also demanding money or gift cards. Some callers demand money for missed jury duty or claim a grandparent or grandchild is in need.
All of those calls should be disregarded, state police say.
Police also remind you to never give out private information over the phone, especially your birthdate, Social Security number or credit card numbers. If the caller demands money via prepaid card or wire transfer, think twice, police say, and don't let yourself be pressured into making a quick decision about sending money over the phone.
