What are Johnson County Area Codes?
Area codes were introduced in 1947 as are part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). Also known as NPA (Numbering Plan Area) codes, phone users use three-digit telephone codes to recognize the origins and destinations of phone calls. The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) is responsible for approving new area codes suggested and introduced by the NANP administrator.
Two area codes are currently active in Johnson County. These include:
Area code 317
Area code 317 is one of the 86 original codes created in 1947. It was one of the two original area codes created for Indiana. The cities of Franklin and Greenwood are part of the communities the area code 317 covers.
Area code 812
Area code 812 is a North American Numbering Plan area code introduced in 1947 for southern Indiana as part of the original area codes in the state. Area code 812 serves Johnson County communities like Seymour and Crothersville.
Area code 463
Area code 463 is an Indiana overlay area code created from area code 317 in 2016. The overlay area code serves Johnson County towns like Whiteland, Trafalgar, and Bargersville. Phone users covered by area code 463 are required to use the ten-digit dialing system for all calls.
What are the Best Cell Phone Plans in Johnson County?
The four main phone networks in the United States (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile) provide telephony services to Johnson County residents. Verizon has the best network coverage in Johnson County, with 98% coverage. AT&T follows behind with 74% coverage. Sprint and T-Mobile both provide 72% coverage each. However, phone users can use Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) as alternatives to the leading mobile operators. Typically, both the primary network providers and MVNOs in Johnson County offer outstanding coverage. However, poor weather and the existence of tall landscapes may affect the efficiency of these service providers.
In Johnson County and other areas of Indiana, mobile phone subscribers are more than landline users. This is evident in a 2018 report on wireless substitution published by the National Center for Health Statistics. According to the survey, 59.5% of Indiana adults only used mobile phones, while 4.7% only used landlines. The difference is far more significant for those under the age of 18. From the report, 71.4% of minors use mobile phones only, while 2.2% only used landlines.
County residents also use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems to make phone calls. VoIP services are less expensive and more portable. Instead of traditional telephone lines, VoIP uses wireless internet access to make direct inbound dialing, videoconferencing, and other functions.
What are Johnson County Phone Scams?
Phone scams in Johnson County are perpetrated by con artists who make false statements over the phone to defraud county residents. These scammers often use deceitful claims to steal financial and personal information from their targets. Individuals can avoid being victims of phone fraud by learning how these scammers carry out their activities. Innovative technologies such as area code lookups and reverse phone lookup apps can help residents avoid falling into the traps of scammers. These tools help people distinguish between genuine calls and scam calls.
To combat phone scams in Johnson County, residents are required to call only authorized government departments to investigate claims made by phone scammers. The Johnson County Prosecutor Office and Johnson County Sheriff Department are the county's two central law enforcement departments. Victims are advised to report scam calls to these law enforcement agencies or the Indiana Consumer Protection Division. People can avoid getting scammed by conducting independent background checks on individuals and companies that contact them.
Examples of phone scams in Johnson County include:
What are Johnson County COVID-19 Scams?
In Johnson County, phone scammers involved in COVID-19 scams trick people into giving up personal and financial details in exchange for medical supplies or vaccinations. Some con artists claim to be government agencies providing COVID-19 benefits or pandemic relief compensation. While some targets are tricked into paying money to these fraudsters, others give out their social security numbers, which the scammers will use for identity fraud.
County residents can avoid being scammed by adhering to the Coronavirus Information for Consumers provided by the Indiana Attorney General. Furthermore, residents are advised to confirm claims of any organizations by using the Better Business Bureau. Phone users can also download free reverse cell phone lookup applications to look up phone numbers. Note that government agencies do not request payment through bitcoin wallets, gift cards, or money transfers. COVID-19 scam victims in Johnson County can report cases to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) by filing online complaints or calling (866) 720-5721.
What are Johnson County Medicaid Scams?
Medicaid/Medicare scams are targeted at aged persons eligible for Medicaid benefits. In these scams, phone scammers may contact beneficiaries, claiming they can provide them with free medical supplies or equipment. Some fraudsters may deceive unsuspecting aged persons by claiming that there are new Medicaid cards that require verification. These scam callers obtain targets' Medicaid numbers and use them for identity fraud. Some scam victims are coerced into paying 'processing fees' via gift cards and money transfers to obtain free medical supplies.
To fight Medicaid scams in Johnson County, residents are advised to:
- Keep their Medicaid/Medicare number private no matter what claims they hear.
- Verify the true identity of callers using reverse phone lookup apps.
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE to confirm all claims related to Medicaid.
- Find and contact the nearest Local Health Department in Indiana.
The U.S. Medicare department offers more information on how to report medicare frauds in the country. Victims of Medicare scams are also advised to file complaints with the FTC or report Medicaid fraud to the Attorney General's Office.
What are Johnson County Jury Duty Scams?
Jury scams in Johnson County are perpetrated by fraudsters who threaten to prosecute residents for failing to comply with jury service. Scammers use jail threats to deceive their targets over the phone or through emails. Most victims lose money to the con artists or give out their social security numbers or driver's licenses.
Typically, jury duty is an essential public obligation taken seriously. Regardless, neither federal nor state courts can ask for sensitive details on the phone or by email. Personal information gathered in this way is often used in identity fraud. Most con artists demand that the alleged fines be paid using Bitcoin wallets or gift cards. Scammers also use these payment mechanisms to avoid being traced. It is best to contact the Johnson County Court Clerk to confirm any claims made by strangers over the phone.
What are Johnson County Charity Scams?
Scammers involved in charity scams take advantage of national disasters like COVID-19 to exploit generous donors in Johnson County. Claiming to solicit donations for disaster-affected persons, these scammers pose as legitimate charity organizations by creating similar websites. Some fraudsters claim affiliations with the government providing disaster relief packages. Some charity scammers often pressure their targets into making immediate payments by promising big rewards if they donate.
Generally, it is best to do proper independent research on charity organizations before making transactions with them. The Indiana Attorney General website provides information on how to identify charitable organizations. Note that charity organizations are not required to register their companies in the state. However, individuals can locate legitimate organizations in Indiana using the resources provided by the Office of the Attorney General. More importantly, residents are advised to shun payments via gift cards, wire transfers, and bitcoins. These platforms, often used by many scammers, are untraceable and cannot be monitored. Also, after making payment, ensure to review every transaction on credit cards to avoid recurring donations.
What are Robocalls and Spam Calls?
Robocalls are automated voice messages used by politicians, non-profit organizations, and telemarketers. Using auto-dialers, robocalls can reach several individuals at once. Spam calls, on the other hand, are unwanted phone calls that provide irrelevant content. Scammers often use both spam calls and robocalls because they allow them to stay anonymous. Since they are unknown, they mislead unsuspecting citizens by impersonating respectable businesses and government agencies. While some victims lose their hard-earned money to scammers, others give out their personal or financial details.
Robocalls are also used by reputable organizations, making it hard for people to distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent robocalls. People can, nevertheless, use free reverse phone number searches to distinguish between illegal or genuine robocalls. Below are some steps to take if you receive a spam call or robocall:
- Without following any prompts, hang up immediately.
- Do not give out personal information on the phone. This includes your driving license number, social security number (SSN), bank account information, or passwords.
- Find out who called using a phone number search app.
- Ensure you do not receive more calls by blocking the telephone line after you have figured out who they are.
- File a report online with the FTC or call 1-(888)-382-1222 to report the scam call.
- To stop getting spam calls and robocalls, register your phone number on the Indiana Do Not Call registry created by the Indiana Attorney General.
- You can also register a phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry (DNCR).
After 31 days of enrollment on the DNCR, the registered phone numbers will be blocked from receiving robocalls. Robocalls received after the stipulated time are definitely from scammers. Phone users are advised to report these numbers to the FTC if the calls persist.
How to Spot and Report Johnson County Phone Scams?
Scammers are still on the lookout for better ways to defraud innocent people. Using new technology advancements to their advantage, fraudsters have been able to expand their manipulative techniques. Regardless of how advanced these techniques may seem, you can overcome these strategies by understanding how fraudsters function.
You can use a suspicious phone number lookup to check who a number is registered to and the caller's true identity. Furthermore, be aware of common red flags that reveal that you may be talking to phone scammers. Here are some of the signs of scam callers:
- They use aggressive and intimidation tactics such as threats of detention or license suspension.
- They force their targets to divulge their financial and personal information.
- They ask for unusual online transfers like bitcoins and gift cards.
- They demand payment in advance to help individuals get big rewards or offers.
If you spot any of the red flags mentioned above, hang up and use a reverse mobile phone lookup tool to figure out who the caller is. Contact local government departments in Johnson County and Indiana that specialize in assisting victims of phone scams. The following organizations are listed below:
Johnson County Prosecutor Office: The Prosecutor's Office in Johnson County is in charge of prosecuting violators and interviewing victims of crimes. Phone scam victims may contact the office using the details below:
Johnson County Prosecutor's Office
1 Caisson Drive, Suite A
Franklin, Indiana 46131
Phone: (317) 346-4525
Johnson County Sheriff's Office (WCSO): As the county's major law enforcement agency, scam targets and victims can report any fraudulent activities to:
1091 Hospital Road
Franklin IN 46131
Phone: (317) 736-9155
Franklin Police Department: Residents at the county seat of Johnson County can call the police department on (317) 736-3670.
Indiana Attorney General: The Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division is tasked with protecting county residents from consumer fraud. Victims of fraud can file online consumer complaint forms to report. Alternatively, download and complete the consumer complaints form, and submit to:
Consumer Protection Division
Office of the Indiana Attorney General
302 W. Washington Street, 5th Floor
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 232-6330.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC): The FTC is the federal agency responsible for protecting U.S. citizens from all kinds of scams. To help reduce phone scams and illegal robocalls, the FTC created the National Do Not Call Registry. Individuals can also report fraudulent activities to the FTC.