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.
Scammers call pretending to be from government agencies or legal services, claiming a lawsuit has been filed against you by the "United States government" or that local cops will arrest you for "4 serious allegations" regarding tax filings. They use names like "Dakota" from "Judicial Services," provide fake case numbers, threaten immediate arrest by local police, claim a "courier and uniformed private officer" were sent to you, mention specific county courts like Monroe County, and use fake badge numbers such as "GS14865" from an alleged IRS Crime Investigator. They use these fake details to steal your personal information like your Social Security number. Real process servers and law enforcement do not call ahead to warn you. They show up.
"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"
A robocall or live person spoofs the AES Indiana number and claims your electricity will be shut off in 30 to 40 minutes for non-payment, demanding you press 1 to speak with collections or make immediate payment over the phone using gift cards or wire transfers. They use this fake urgency to steal your payment information or money. If you are concerned about your account, call AES Indiana directly at the number on their website or your bill. Utility companies provide multiple written notices over weeks before disconnecting service. They never call threatening shutoff 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."
Robocalls show caller ID as "Ssi" or "SSI Dynata" and claim to be from the Social Security Administration or "National Disability," warning of "fraudulent activity" with your Social Security number or claiming you applied for disability benefits of up to $2,600 a month. They ask you to press 1 to speak with someone immediately or confirm the last four digits of your Social Security number. They use this information to steal your identity and benefits. The Social Security Administration never calls to threaten your benefits or ask for personal information. Your Social Security number cannot be suspended.
"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 residents get unsolicited calls and texts from people using aliases like "Kate," "Jen," or "Alex with We Buy Houses Indy" who already have your name and address and want to buy your home for cash. They call repeatedly even after you decline, often with thick accents claiming to represent unnamed "investment firms." They use your information for data mining operations or high-pressure sales tactics. Legitimate realtors identify their brokerage and stop calling when you decline. These calls violate telemarketing laws.
"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 pretend to be from Anthem, CareSource, and Wellcare, asking you to "verify" your insurance benefit ID or Medicare number over the phone, sometimes with noisy backgrounds that sound like a "bowling alley," or robocalls offering "free" medical equipment like back or knee braces paid for by Medicare. They use your insurance information to file fraudulent claims or steal your medical identity. Your health insurance provider already has your information and will not call to "verify" it. They communicate through mail or secure online portals.
"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."
Callers ask "Can you hear me okay?" or "Is this [Your Name]?" then hang up immediately after you respond, often pretending they can't hear you or talking rapidly to get you to speak louder. They record your voice saying "Yes" and use it to authorize fraudulent charges on phone or utility bills. Legitimate callers identify themselves and the purpose immediately. Only scammers use this tactic 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'."
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.
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near Indiana (Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers), or have a 317 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.
Other Indiana area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: