Champaign, IL – A recent scam attempt targeting a local resident has prompted the Champaign Police Department to issue a public alert about impersonation scams, particularly those involving callers falsely claiming to be law enforcement officers.
The warning follows a social media post shared by a resident who reported receiving a suspicious call from someone posing as a Champaign police officer and discussing a fictitious legal case. The resident did not fall victim, instead choosing to end the call without sharing personal or financial information.
According to the Champaign Police Department, imposter scams often involve callers pretending to be public officials or business representatives, urgently requesting payment or personal data. Tactics may include threats about family safety, demands for gift card payments, or prize claims for contests the recipient never entered.
“Champaign Police will never provide specific details about an active warrant over the phone, nor will we ever request payment via phone,” the department stated in a Facebook post shared Monday.
Officers are more likely to visit in person or ask individuals to come to the station to discuss legal matters. The department urges residents to avoid sharing sensitive details during unsolicited phone calls and to independently verify any demands by calling the agency or business using a publicly listed number.
The department also emphasized vigilance as a key defense, encouraging the community to learn common scam signs and report suspicious activity immediately.
The CPD’s full imposter scam advisory and safety tips are available on their official Facebook page.
Be sure to follow us on Instagram & like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on more relevant new stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have something you’d like to let us know about? Message us on our social channels and let us know about it!
