Palos Park, IL – Palos Park police are alerting residents about a scam involving fake arrest warrants that is circulating nationwide. Scammers are using phone calls to pressure victims into paying large sums of money, sometimes amounting to thousands of dollars.
According to the Palos Park Police Department, scammers typically pose as law enforcement officers. They often manipulate caller ID to make it appear that the call is coming from a legitimate source. The scammer then claims there is a warrant out for the victim’s arrest due to infractions such as traffic violations or missed jury duty.
Victims are told they can avoid arrest by paying a specified fine. Payment methods often include cash drop-offs, eGift cards, or even cryptocurrency. Police warn that these scammers are often outside the jurisdiction where the crime occurs, making it difficult to catch them.
Authorities urge residents to be cautious and to verify any claims made over the phone by contacting their local police department directly. Residents should never provide personal or financial information to unknown callers.