Lake Co. Sheriff's Office Warns of Phone Scam

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is warning citizens of reports of people receiving phony telephone calls from individuals claiming to be with the department.

From the Lake County IL Sheriff’s Office Facebook page: 

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has received reports of Lake County residents receiving fraudulent telephone calls from individuals representing themselves to be from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. These fraudulent calls are appearing on the recipients’ caller identification as telephone numbers used by the Sheriff’s Office. Thus, it appears the victims are receiving a valid call from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, when this in fact is not the case.

During this specific scam, the fraudulent caller states they are calling regarding a complaint which had been filed against whoever answers the telephone. The fraudulent caller then gives the name of an “investigating officer” and instructs the recipient to call a telephone number to reach that “officer.”

In these instances the offenders are using tools to “spoof” their telephone number. Even though these offenders are not calling from the Sheriff’s Office, they can mask their telephone number to make it appears as if the call is originating from the Sheriff’s Office.

Residents should be aware when the Lake County Sheriff’s Office is requested to make a notification for an outside agency, a highway patrol deputy will be dispatched and will make the notification in person. These notifications do not occur over the telephone.

If you feel you’ve received a fraudulent telephone call, contact the Sheriff’s Office to determine the validity of the call.

Safety Tips:
- Don’t give identifying or personal information to anyone over the telephone, unless you have confirmed who you are speaking with
- If you are unsure of a caller’s identity, ask for their name and callback number, then hang-up and verify their information via the Internet or telephone book
- If a caller is asking for someone who isn’t currently home, simply tell the caller they can’t come to the telephone (versus informing the caller you could be home alone)

For more information on scams please visit: http://www.lakecountyil.gov/Sheriff/