Marseilles, Illinois — Police are warning residents after scammers allegedly called a local resident claiming a fake arrest warrant.
According to the Marseilles Police Department, officers recently received a report of a phone scam in which a caller told a resident there was a “warrant for your arrest” in LaSalle County and demanded immediate payment to resolve it.
Police say the caller allegedly instructed the resident to send money using Bitcoin or other cryptocurrency.
The department emphasized that law enforcement agencies do not request payments over the phone and will never demand money through cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers to clear warrants or avoid arrest.
Officials also warned that scammers may use “spoofed” phone numbers that appear to come from legitimate government agencies or local police departments. This tactic can make fraudulent calls appear more convincing.
Police advise anyone who receives a similar call to hang up immediately and avoid providing personal or financial information.
“If you get a call like this, just hang up,” the department said in its public warning. “Even if the caller ID looks official, it’s likely spoofed.”
Residents who are concerned about the legitimacy of a call are encouraged to contact the Marseilles Police Department directly using its official non-emergency phone number to verify the claim.
Authorities say reporting scams helps investigators track patterns and warn other residents in the community.
Phone scams involving threats of arrest and demands for cryptocurrency have been reported nationwide in recent years, often targeting residents who may feel pressured to act quickly.
Local officials say awareness is the best protection and encourage residents to share the warning with neighbors and family members.
A reminder may be especially relevant for students, commuters, and young workers who often rely on mobile phones and may receive unexpected calls during the day.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.
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