Don't Fall For This Scam Involving Will County's Courthouse

JOLIET — The Will County Sheriff's Office announced on Tuesday night that residents and employees with the 12th Circuit Court of the Will County Courthouse have notified them that many citizens are concerned about receiving phone calls from someone pretending to be an officer of the court, or an actual named deputy from the Sheriff's office, and even an actual name of one of our judges.

"These fraudsters are stating that the resident missed jury duty or a court date and are being held in contempt and facing jail time unless they pay a fine. The phone number being used is 815-727-8529 and on caller ID is 'Will County Public Service,' the sheriff's agency noted.

Meanwhile, Will County Judge Matt Bertani announced on his Facebook page that "Starting yesterday, many have called, and a few have come in concerned stating they are receiving calls from someone pretending to be an Officer of the court and may provide an actual name of a Sheriff in the county as well as Judges, often using Judge Cornelius’ name.

"They are told they have missed jury duty or court, are being held in contempt and that they need to pay a fine or face jail time. Our office does receive reports of scam calls from time to time. The reason I am letting you know is that the phone number coming up on caller ID says “WILL COUNTY PUBLIC SERVICE” coming from 815-727-8529, so the scammer is able to replicate an official number when calling people, someone brought their phone in to show us their caller ID. Everyone in our office has been advising anyone receiving the call to contact their local police."

According to the sheriff, the Will County Sheriff's officers, jury duty staff, judges, nor employees from the courthouse who deals with court appearances, will call you and pressure you to pay a fine.

"These scammers are fast talkers and will encourage you to act swiftly sending them money. THIS IS A SCAM! HANG UP THE PHONE."