Sheriff Warns Of Fake Warrant Phone Scam

WILL COUNTY, IL — The Will County Sheriff's department is warning residents not to fall victim to the latest round of scam calls alleging the caller has a warrant issued for a resident and demanding money in return.

Posing as a sheriff's deputy, the caller then warns the resident that if they do not pay the fees, they will be arrested and jailed. In some instances, the caller has mentioned a deputy by name, the department stated in a release.

"These individuals are masters of using fear techniques in order for residents to comply with their demands," the release reads. "Sheriff's office deputies nor staff will ever call you requesting money, purchasing gift cards, nor payments through Venmo or Zelle for bond payments."

In some cases, this group of scam artists also use a phone number that appears to be legitimate as the sheriff's office is displayed on caller ID or cell phone.

If you receive one of these calls, the sheriff's department urges you not to engage with the caller or provide them with any of your personal financial information.

Anyone in doubt can check to see if there is an active warrant in their name.