Lake Co. Sheriff's Office Warns Of Scam

LAKE COUNTY, IL — The Lake County Sheriff's Office is alerting the public to a jury duty scam involving phone calls that recent residents have been receiving.

Residents have reported to police that they've been receiving phone calls from a specific number: 847-801-7097. The caller tells the residents he is “Sergeant Ryan Mitchell with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office," according to the sheriff's office.

The caller then tells people they’ve missed jury duty and must go to Waukegan to pay a fine. Police say they believe the scammer would then have potential victims meet in a parking lot while they posed as a police officer and have them pay the fine.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents that they would never call to demand payment for fines, missed jury duty or anything else. Scammers often try to create urgency, play on emotions and pressure victims into giving them money.

Here is what you should do if you receive a suspicious call:

• Hang up immediately
• Do not give personal or financial information
• Verify through official channels if you have concerns.

Anyone who believes they have been the victim of a scam should call their local police department.