Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.
Marion County Indiana Scam

The Marion County Clerk's Office and Sheriff's Office have issued urgent warnings about several active scams targeting residents in Indianapolis and surrounding areas. These scams primarily use text messages or phone calls to impersonate local government officials and demand immediate payment.

1. Traffic and Toll Violation Text Scam

This is a widespread "smishing" (SMS phishing) campaign where residents receive a text message claiming they have unpaid traffic tickets or toll violations.

  • The Hook: The message may look like a formal court summons or include a photo of a document that looks like it is from the Marion Superior Court.
  • Fake Officials: Messages often use the names of fake judges, such as "Judge Michael Rodriguez" or "Judge John Smith," neither of whom preside in Marion County.
  • The Danger: Scammers include a QR code or payment link. Scanning these can install malware or lead to fraudulent sites designed to steal your bank details.
  • Fact Check: Marion County does not have toll roads, and the Marion County Clerk’s Office explicitly stated they do not text payment requirements.

2. Missed Jury Duty & Active Warrant Phone Scam

Scammers call residents pretending to be deputies from the Marion County Sheriff's Office (MCSO).

  • The Threat: They claim you missed jury duty or have an active arrest warrant and must pay a "bond" or "fine" immediately to avoid going to jail.
  • Spoofing: The caller ID may appear as a legitimate Sheriff's Office number, and the caller may use real employee names, such as "Sergeant Jeremy Schwab".
  • Payment Methods: They demand payment via untraceable methods like gift cards, Bitcoin, or prepaid debit cards.
  • Fact Check: Missing jury duty does not result in an immediate arrest warrant, and the Sheriff's Office never demands payment over the phone or through apps.

How to Protect Yourself

  • Hang Up and Verify: If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately. To verify a legitimate warrant or court issue, call the Marion County Sheriff's Office directly at 317-327-1700 or the Clerk's Office at 317-327-4740.
  • Never Click or Scan: Do not click links or scan QR codes in unsolicited texts.
  • Report the Scam: Report these incidents to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov/complaint.
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