INDIANAPOLIS — Spoofers are using the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana’s main phone number, 317-229-3700, to scam and intimidate people.
The Clerk’s Office began receiving phone calls from individuals who had been contacted by people claiming to be with the “court,” and whose number on the recipient’s caller ID appeared as the court’s actual main phone number (317-229-3729). Call recipients were informed that:
• they are under investigation for prostitution;
• they are under investigation for sex trafficking;
• they will be arrested or there is a warrant out in their name;
• they must pay money in order avoid arrest
Residents of the Southern District of Indiana who believe they have been the victim of such a scam are encouraged to report the incident to the District Court Clerk’s Office at 317-229-3700; the Federal Trade Commission at https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov; and the U. S. Marshals Service at 317-226-6566.
Here is additional information on things to remember, who to call, and what to do if you are contacted by a scammer:
• Authenticate a call by contacting the Clerk’s Office of the U.S. District Court in Indianapolis at (317) 229-3700 to verify that the court is not requiring any action from you and that the scam call did not come from the court.
• Do not divulge personal information or financial information to unknown callers, including those who claim to work for a government agency.
• A court will never ask for a credit/debit card number, gift card number, wire transfers, or bank routing numbers over the phone for any purpose.
• A fine will never be imposed until after an individual has appeared in court and been given the opportunity to explain a failure to appear.