The Indiana State Police is warning against scams.
ISP has received several reports of an apparent phone scam using the ISP General Headquarters phone number.
The scammer is using a caller ID showing “Indiana State Police” with “317-232-8248.” The scammer then identifies him/herself as an Indiana State Police Trooper and tells them their identity has been compromised or stolen. The scammer then asks for personal information to “verify” that the person they are speaking to is the same, ISP said in a public advisory message.
The ISP wants Hoosiers to know troopers would not cold call people to ask for personal or financial information. ISP also reminds all citizens that phone scammers are persuasive, convincing, and technically savvy; they will often play on emotions and fears to get personal information and money.
ISP officials say the easiest way to protect yourself from being scammed is to ignore unsolicited calls from unknown callers or just hang up when something doesn’t seem right. Anyone who thinks they might be a victim of a phone scam, should immediately report the incident to their local law enforcement agency and if financial information has been given out, people should alert their bank as soon as possible to try to stop the transaction, ISP officials say.
People should never give out personal information such as date of birth, social security number, or bank/credit card numbers. Scammers will typically try to get people to make a hasty decision and will apply pressure to get personal information and/or money according to ISP.
Police are asking Hoosiers to talk to loved ones about phone scams and to have a plan in place should a scammer call. Being aware of potential scams is a great first step in protecting yourself from falling victim to one, ISP officials say.
