Indianapolis, Indiana — Marion County deputies are warning residents about scam callers impersonating law enforcement and demanding money.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, scammers have recently contacted residents claiming they missed jury duty or have an active warrant. The callers then pressure victims to send money immediately to avoid arrest.
Authorities say the callers often request payment through Bitcoin, Zelle, Venmo, CashApp, or gift cards, methods commonly used in fraud schemes because they are difficult to trace or reverse.
The sheriff’s office emphasized that legitimate deputies will never call residents to demand payment over the phone. Officials also said the office will not ask for financial information or request payment through third-party apps or gift cards.
“If you are unsure whether you have a warrant or missed jury duty, contact the sheriff’s office directly,” the department advised. Residents should use official phone numbers or visit the agency’s website rather than relying on information provided by callers.
Law enforcement officials say these impersonation scams are designed to create panic and urgency so victims act quickly without verifying the information.
Residents who receive suspicious calls are urged not to provide personal or banking information and not to send money. Instead, they should hang up and report the incident to local authorities or the Federal Trade Commission, which tracks fraud complaints nationwide.
Phone scams impersonating law enforcement agencies have been reported across multiple states in recent years, often targeting individuals unfamiliar with court processes or legal procedures.
The alert may be particularly relevant for students, young workers, and new residents who may be less familiar with how jury duty notifications are typically handled.
Authorities say the best defense is simple: verify first and never send money to someone claiming to be law enforcement over the phone.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.
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