Scammers Target Lake County Residents Pretending To Be With Government

LAKE COUNTY, IL — Stressing they would never call and request money, the Lake County Sheriff's Office and 19th Judicial Court are warning residents of a new scam. According to police, the scam specifically targets Lake County residents and are typically run out of state or in other countries.

Police said the con artists call local residents, introduce themselves as members of the government, typically the 19th Judicial Court or LCSO. The scammer will then tell the victim that a Lake County judge has issued an arrest warrant for missing jury duty. They then instruct the resident to transfer money, usually in the form of a gift card or voucher, to prevent their arrest.

In addition to never requesting money, officials said they will not ask for or accept payment in the form of gift cards or Green Dot cards.

Police say the best thing to do is hang up, and if using a cellphone, block the scammer's number. Residents can also file a report with their local law-enforcement agency.

"If you are ever doubtful of a government official contacting you by phone, you may always hang up and call back utilizing the known telephone number for the government office which contacted you," LCSO said in a news release.

Police remind residents that if they didn't initiate the telephone conversation, follow these tips:

• 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.