WABASH VALLEY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — A release from the Indiana State Police warns residents of a phone scam that is using the ISP General Headquarters phone number.
While the ISP receives several reports of scam calls throughout the year, this scam involves the caller using a caller ID showing “Indiana State Police” and the number “317-232-8248.” When the call is answered, the scammer claims to be an Indiana State Trooper and tells the victim they have pending drug charges in Texas.
The scammer will then request payment with a threat of arrest if a payment is not made. The release states, “The ISP would NEVER call and ask for or demand any sort of payment for any reason whatsoever.”
The release continues to warn citizens of the dangers of scam calls:
“The ISP would like to remind all citizens that phone scammers are persuasive, convincing, and technically savvy. Scammers will often play on your emotions and fears in order to get your personal information and money.”
Indiana State Police
ISP also notes that the easiest way to protect yourself from scam calls is to ignore unsolicited calls from unknown numbers or to just hang up when things start to seem unusual.
If you suspect you have been a victim of a scam, report the call immediately to local law enforcement and alert your bank as well if any transaction or payment occurred. ISP wants residents to be aware that prepaid transactions or wire transfers are mostly impossible to recover once completed.
It’s important to never give out any personal information such as bank/credit card numbers, date of birth, or social security numbers. Scammers often attempt to make a person feel rushed, confused, or fearful and will try to pressure the person into giving them information and making quick decisions.
ISP wants to remind residents to be aware of scam calls and to discuss the signs of potential scams with family members to help prevent themselves or loved ones from becoming a victim of a scam.
