Kankakee County, IL – Residents are being warned today about an active phone scam in which callers impersonate members of the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office and demand immediate payment, claiming a loved one will otherwise remain in jail or have a vehicle impounded.
According to the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office, scammers are contacting family members of individuals who have been recently arrested, using publicly available information to sound credible and create a sense of urgency. In several reported cases, the caller falsely identified himself as “Captain Tim Bailey” — a name authorities confirm is not associated with the sheriff’s office.
Investigators say the scammer claims money is needed to secure a person’s release from jail, sometimes citing cash bond, ankle monitoring fees, or vehicle impound costs. Victims are then instructed to send payment through Cash App, GreenDot MoneyPak, Western Union, Apple gift cards, or similar services.
The sheriff’s office emphasized that these claims are entirely false. Illinois eliminated cash bond under the SAFE-T Act, meaning inmates cannot be released through immediate payments. Additionally, no legitimate law enforcement agency will ever request or accept payment over the phone or through third-party payment apps.
Officials urge residents who receive such calls to hang up immediately and independently verify the claim by locating an official phone number for the agency — not one provided by the caller. In Kankakee County, residents can contact KanComm at 815-933-3324 to confirm whether a call is legitimate.
Authorities also warn that scammers may become aggressive or hostile if questioned — a major red flag. Anyone who believes they were targeted or victimized is encouraged to report the incident to local law enforcement as soon as possible.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
