McLean County, Illinois – Authorities are warning residents about scam calls impersonating deputies and demanding money.
According to the McLean County Sheriff’s Office, officials have received reports of callers posing as law enforcement, claiming residents missed jury duty or face arrest. The callers allegedly use a spoofed phone number—(309) 888-5034—to appear legitimate.
Investigators say the scammers identify themselves using names such as “Sgt. Haynes,” “John Riley,” or “Captain Edmon Smith,” and instruct victims to stay on the phone while making payments. The callers may claim a gag order is in place to prevent victims from discussing the situation with others, including attorneys.
Authorities emphasize that no legitimate law enforcement agency will request money or financial transactions over the phone to resolve warrants or legal matters. Victims are often directed to purchase gift cards or transfer funds, which officials say is a clear sign of fraud.
The sheriff’s office urges anyone receiving such a call to hang up immediately, avoid sharing personal or financial information, and report the incident to their local police department. Residents who may have already sent money are encouraged to contact law enforcement as soon as possible.
The alert comes amid a broader rise in impersonation scams targeting communities across Illinois, with fraudsters increasingly using technology to mimic official phone numbers.
The warning is especially relevant for students and young workers who may be unfamiliar with legal procedures and more vulnerable to urgent-sounding demands.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.
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