Calls from the 317 area code often involve fake legal threats or utility disconnection warnings. Scammers try to scare you into believing your power will be cut off or you will be arrested unless you pay immediately.
Look up any suspicious number using our scam and spam phone number lookup database. It includes over 29 million Do Not Call and robocall complaints reported to the Federal Trade Commission.
Getting calls from 317 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof Indiana (Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 317 scams based on user comments:
Scammers are calling 317 numbers pretending to be from government agencies or legal services. They use terrifying threats, claiming a lawsuit has been filed against you by the "United States government" or that local cops will take you into custody for "4 serious allegations" regarding tax filings. Callers often use names like "Dakota" from "Judicial Services" and provide fake case numbers to sound legitimate.
The IRS, Social Security Administration, and local courts initiate contact through official U.S. Mail, not with threatening phone calls or robocalls. Real process servers and law enforcement officers do not call ahead to warn you of an impending arrest or lawsuit.
"DO NOT ANSWER THIS CALL--they left me several voicemails over the past two weeks stating that within 24hrs the local cops would take me into custody because of 4 serious allegations against me for my recent tax filings. COMPLETE SCAM AND LIES"
This aggressive scam targets Indianapolis residents by spoofing the number for AES Indiana (formerly IPL). A robocall or live person claims your electricity will be shut off in 30 to 40 minutes for non-payment and demands you press 1 to speak with their collections department or make an immediate payment over the phone.
Utility companies like AES Indiana provide multiple written notices over weeks or months before disconnecting service. They will never call and threaten immediate shutoff if you don't pay within the hour.
"A 'robot' called and told me if I don't press 1 to talk with a live person, my electricity would be turned off within 30 to 40 minutes."
These robocalls falsely claim to be from the Social Security Administration or a group like "National Disability." They warn of "fraudulent activity" associated with your Social Security number or claim you've recently applied for disability benefits of up to $2,600 a month. Their goal is to scare you into calling back and giving them your personal information.
The Social Security Administration will never call you to threaten your benefits or tell you that your Social Security number has been suspended. They will not call out of the blue to ask for personal information.
"They left VM saying they were from the Social Security Office warning me that fraudulent activity was associated with my SS#, to call them back before they proceed. Of course I'm not calling them back."
Indianapolis-area residents are being bombarded with unsolicited calls and texts from people claiming they want to buy your home for cash. These callers often use aliases like "Kate," "Jen," or "Alex with We Buy Houses Indy," and may already have your name and address, making the call feel more personal and invasive.
While some real estate investors do make cold calls, the sheer volume and aggressive tactics reported are hallmarks of data mining operations or high-pressure sales scams. Legitimate realtors will typically identify their brokerage and will not harass you after you decline.
"Hi (name)! My name is Kate and I would like to speak with you about potentially buying (address). Did I get the right person? Thanks! (smiley face)(smiley face) Spam for sure."
Scammers are pretending to be from major Indiana health insurance providers like Anthem, CareSource, and Wellcare. They may have some of your information and will try to "verify" it to get more details, like your insurance benefit ID or Medicare number. Some calls are robocalls offering back braces or other medical equipment paid for by Medicare.
Your health insurance provider already has your information and will not call you to "verify" it out of the blue. They typically communicate sensitive account information through mail or their secure online portal.
"Claimed as Anthem and asked for my son's authorization to talk with me. My son gave her his name, our addr. and she also asked if we have different addr. When she asked for his Insurance benefit ID, I took over and asked her to talk to me. She hang up."
This is a tricky scam where the caller's only goal is to get you to say the word "Yes." They often start the call by asking "Can you hear me okay?" or a similar question. If you say "Yes," they record your voice and can use it to authorize fraudulent charges on phone or utility bills.
Legitimate callers will identify themselves and the purpose of their call immediately. This tactic of eliciting a "yes" response is used exclusively by scammers for voice signature fraud.
"I have got this call a few times. Evey time they ask if I could hear them, I said yes. Then they hang up. Then I realized they are trying to record me saying 'yes'."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 317 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Indiana, United States. Area code 317 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
Most common 317 scam types are:
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near Indiana, or have a 317 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.
Calling back to unknown spam number may incur premium charges or at least confirm your phone number is active and lead to more spam and scam calls.
There are three main ways to reduce spam calls:
It's definitely possible to block all specific area code phone numbers. However, we do not recommend this option because it would also prevent friends, family, doctors, and legitimate businesses from reaching you.
Other Indiana area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: