Fake Police Phone Scam Reaches Romeoville

ROMEOVILLE, IL — A word to the wise: If there's a warrant out for your arrest, the police aren't going to call and ask you to pay your bond with a gift card or wire transfer. That's the message Romeoville police are sending after a phone scam that surfaced in Woodridge last week made its way to the village.

How does the scam work? A "spoofer" will use use technology to alter the caller ID so it appears the police are calling you. Once they've got you on the line, the scammer will tell you he or she needs you to settle a warrant, pay a fine or resolve a criminal matter. The scammer will then tell you to put the money on a gift card, wire the money to them or use Bitcoin to pay it.

On Wednesday, Romeoville police said the scam has made its way to town. On Twitter, they warned residents that police departments do not accept bond payments over the phone or take gift cards as payment.

Callers Pose As Cops In Phone Scam: Woodridge Police

"Scammers can make your caller ID say 'Village of Romeoville,'" police warned. Not sure if the person on the other end of the line is who they claim to be? Call the real Romeoville police to check it out at 815-886-7219.

Image via Shutterstock