Another Wheaton Resident Targeted By Caller Posing As Sheriff's Office

WHEATON, IL — Another resident was recently targeted by a caller who posed as a deputy from the DuPage County Sheriff's Office (DCSO).

According to the Wheaton Police Department crime blotter, a resident in the 100 block of Hawkins Circle got a call around 7 a.m. on Jan. 6 from someone who said they were will the sheriff's office. The caller told the victim they missed jury duty and had to pay fines. Police say the caller tricked the victim into sharing gift card information.

A similar incident was reported in late December, in which a resident was scammed into sending cash electronically to a caller who said they were with DCSO.

In October, DCSO issued a news release urging residents to stay vigilant amid an increase in reports of these types of fraudulent sheriff's office calls. If you believe you are a victim of such a call, DCSO recommends hanging up immediately and calling the sheriff's office at 630-407-2400 to verify the call and report what happened.

They also advise residents never to share or confirm personal info or send money or other forms of payment by phone.

Residents who believe they have been targeted by scammers can report scam calls via the FTC fraud page.