Scammers Are Impersonating Cook County Sheriff's Police, Authorities Warn

COOK COUNTY, IL — The Cook County Sheriff's Office is warning the public about a phone scam in which callers impersonate the agency's officers, according to authorities.

The scammers will tell potential victims that they've missed court or have unpaid citations and threaten arrest if they don't receive payment immediately, the sheriff's office said.

Law enforcement will never demand payment over the phone, according to the sheriff's office, which instructed people to hang up if a caller uses threats or demands gift cards, prepaid cards or online transfers.

"Verify claims by calling the Sheriff's Office DIRECTLY," the agency instructed in a social media post.

Anyone who believes they may be a victim should call the sheriff’s Police Investigations Section at 708-865-4896 or the sheriff’s non-emergency number at 847-635-1188.