New Scam Targeting Lake County Residents: Sheriff

LAKE COUNTY, IL — There's a new scam targeting Lake County residents, according to a news release from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. According to the news release, the sheriff's office and 19th Judicial Circuit have become aware of this scam, and said it involves con artists calling Lake County residents, introducing themselves as a member of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

In addition, the scammers use an actual name of a sheriff’s office employee, according to the release, and then informs the victim a Lake County Judge (also utilizing the name of an actual judge) issued an arrest warrant.

The caller is then instructed to purchase a “voucher” in order to avoid arrest, the sheriff's office added. Neither the sheriff’s office nor 19th Judicial Circuit call residents and request money, officials warn. Lake County Government will not ask for or accept payment in the form of gift cards or ‘Green Dot’ cards, the sheriff's office added.

According to the news release, the scammers usually operate out of other states or countries, and the best course of action is to hang up and if using a cellphone, in addition to blocking the caller’s telephone number from being able to contact you again. You may also file a report with your local law-enforcement agency, and if you're ever doubtful of a government official contacting you by phone, you may always hang up and call back using the known telephone number for the government office which contacted you, the sheriff's office said.

Remember, if you did not initiate the telephone conversation:

• Do Not provide any personal information.
• Do Not tell when you leave your residence.
• Document the number calling along with any information about the call.
• Report the incident to your local law enforcement agency as soon as possible.