Scam Artists Impersonating Sheriff's Deputies: Police

WILL COUNTY, IL — The Will County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday warned residents of a recent scam where people are pretending to be Sheriff's deputies and demanding money... or else.

Several Will County residents have reported the scam in recent weeks, according to the WCSO. A male caller will tell people that they have a warrant out for their arrest, and if they do not pay the fees, then they will be arrested and put in jail.

The scammers will request different forms of payment. Sometimes the scammer will instruct a person to purchase a gift card to cover the "bond," police said. The scammer will then call back to get the number from the card.

Other times, the scammer will ask for payment through mobile apps, such as Venmo or Zelle, police said.

To make the scam seem more legitimate, scammers are using a phone number that will appear on a caller ID as the Will County Sheriff's Office. They are also using actual names and badge numbers of real Sheriff's deputies, police said.

The Sheriff's Office is reminding residents that it does not conduct business over the phone to inform people that they have a warrant out for their arrest. Those who get these calls and want to confirm that they may or may not have an active warrant can verify it by visiting www.willcountywarrants.com.

If someone does have an active warrant, they are asked to call the Will County Sheriff's Office at (815) 727-8575 and speak with a legitimate deputy.

The Will County Sheriff's Office is asking people to not engage in conversation with the scammers, do not give any personal or financial information over the phone to anyone who they are not positive are legitimate, and do not purchase gift cards, or arrange Venmo or Zelle payments.

Simply hang up the phone, police said.