Cook County, IL – The Cook County Sheriff’s Office is alerting residents about an active phone scam where callers impersonate Sheriff’s Police officers, claiming victims have missed court appearances or owe unpaid citations. According to the department, scammers threaten arrest unless payment is made immediately over the phone.
Authorities stress that these calls are fraudulent. “Law enforcement will never demand payment over the phone,” the Sheriff’s Office stated in its public warning. Officials urge residents to hang up immediately if threatened or asked for payment via gift cards, prepaid cards, or online transfers.
Anyone who believes they may have been targeted or fallen victim is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Police Investigations Section at 708-865-4896, or the non-emergency line at 847-635-1188.
Residents are reminded to verify any official requests by calling the Sheriff’s Office directly, rather than returning a suspicious call.
The department continues to emphasize public awareness, noting that scam calls often use spoofed numbers to appear legitimate. Community members are urged to share the alert widely to help protect others from financial loss.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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