Lake County, IL – Residents across Lake County are being warned to stay alert after a surge in scam attempts involving callers posing as sheriff’s deputies and court officials, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Department.
According to the sheriff’s department, scammers are contacting victims by phone, text message, email, and even video calls, falsely claiming the recipient owes money for a missed court appearance, an arrest warrant, a summons, or to post bond for a jailed relative. Authorities stress that these demands are always fraudulent.
Officials say they have received reports of at least a dozen such cases over the past four months. In one September incident, a resident reported joining a virtual meeting with a scammer who appeared to be wearing a judge’s robe in an attempt to legitimize the threat. The suspect allegedly tried to convince the victim to pay more than $3,100.
In another recent case, scammers sent a text message containing a QR code labeled “Lake County Sheriff’s Official Bond Identification,” urging the recipient to scan it to pay a $1,500 bond. The intended victim did not comply.
Authorities say scammers frequently pressure targets to act quickly and insist on payment through platforms such as Apple Pay, Cash App, or bitcoin ATMs. Law enforcement officials emphasize that these tactics are a major red flag.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Department reiterated that deputies will never call, text, or email to demand money to clear warrants, avoid arrest, resolve court matters, or bond someone out of jail.
Residents are urged to hang up immediately, avoid clicking links or scanning QR codes, and report suspicious contact directly to local authorities. Officials also recommend protecting personal information and warning family members—especially seniors—about the scam.
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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