Latest scam has Indy homeowners on alert

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Chris Bullock is interested in purchasing his first home.

“It’s something I always wanted to do,” said Bullock.

Recently, the Indiana Attorney General’s Office has issued a warning to residents about people targeting property taxpayers.

Here is how the scheme works: a caller claims to work for the Marion County Treasurer’s Office and tells the resident that their property will be sold or seized unless property taxes are immediately paid over the phone.

24-Hour News 8 has learned that the Marion County Treasurer’s Office does not collect money over the phone, instead correspondence is done through the mail.

If you receive one of these calls, taxpayers should write the phone number down, hang up and call their local treasurer’s office to confirm the scam.

The Attorney General’s Office left us with additional tips when dealing with the scammers:

• Don’t let a caller pressure you to take any immediate action.
• Ask for a caller’s contact information and tell them you will call them back.
• Verify that the number they give you is tied to a legitimate company or government entity by doing your own research.
• Do not wire any money or make payments over the phone unless you have independently verified the caller.
• Hang up on recorded message calls or “robocalls.”
• Don’t press any numbers.

You should also file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office by clicking here, or by calling 1-888-834-9969.