Marion County Indiana Scam

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.