Sycamore, IL – DeKalb County residents are being warned of a phone scam where callers impersonate sheriff’s deputies and demand payment in cryptocurrency to avoid arrest.
According to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, several victims have reported receiving calls from someone falsely claiming to be an employee of the department. The scammer allegedly tells the victim they owe money for a warrant or other court-related matter, then instructs them to deposit funds into a Bitcoin ATM. Victims are threatened with arrest if they do not comply.
Authorities stressed that the Sheriff’s Office will never request payment over the phone in the form of cryptocurrency, gift cards or any similar method. Officials urged residents who receive such calls to immediately hang up and contact the Sheriff’s Office directly.
“This is a nationwide scam that has been affecting people across the country, and it’s important for our residents to know that we will never ask for money in this way,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
Scammers often use spoofed phone numbers to make their calls appear legitimate, a tactic that has been reported in similar cases across Illinois. Officials recommend verifying any unexpected legal or financial claims by contacting law enforcement or the courts directly before taking action.
The Sheriff’s Office encouraged community members to share the warning with family, friends and neighbors, particularly seniors, who are often targeted in such schemes.
Residents with information about the scam or who may have fallen victim are urged to report it to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office immediately.
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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