Beware of impersonation scam as callers pose as IPLA staff

Indiana Governor Mike Braun and Attorney General Todd Rokita are alerting Hoosiers to an active phone scam in which callers impersonating Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA) staff, using a “spoofed” phone number, are attempting to obtain personal information from individuals. 
PLA will never request personal information, such as Social Security numbers, over the phone in this manner, nor will the agency threaten license suspension, legal action, or demand immediate payment.
“Scammers who impersonate state employees to steal personal information are preying on the trust Hoosiers place in their government,” said Gov. Braun. “I want Hoosiers to know that the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency will never threaten to suspend your license or demand immediate payment over the phone. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact the agency directly using the verified phone number listed on its official website.”
“Scammers are getting more sophisticated by the day, spoofing official numbers and posing as state employees to steal personal information from hardworking Hoosiers,” Attorney General Rokita said. “These fraudsters are nothing more than digital pickpockets. To avoid falling victim, don’t ever hand over your Social Security number, financial details, or anything else over the phone—real PLA staff will never operate this way.”

What to watch for

• Calls appearing to come from a PLA phone number but sounding threatening or urgent;
• Requests for personal, financial, or account information; and
• Claims that your professional license is at risk unless you act immediately.

What to do if you receive a suspicious call

• Do not provide personal information.
• Hang up immediately.
• Contact PLA directly using the official contact information at in.gov/pla.

Hoosiers may contact the Office of the Indiana Attorney General about any suspected scams or scam attempts. Consumers can file a complaint online or by calling 1-800-382-5516.