Rock Island, IL – The Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a rising phone scam targeting locals with fake claims about missed jury duty or arrest warrants.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, scammers are posing as law enforcement officers to pressure victims into paying supposed fines or bail using Bitcoin, gift cards, or other online methods. Authorities emphasized they will never call residents demanding payment or personal information over the phone.
“These scammers are trying to scare people into sending money or disclosing private details,” officials said in a public notice Friday. “We will never ask for payments through Bitcoin, gift cards, or any other unconventional methods.”
If you receive a suspicious call like this, deputies advise you to:
- Hang up immediately
- Avoid giving any personal or financial information
- Report the incident to local authorities
The Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to share the warning to help protect friends, family, and neighbors. “Stay alert and stay safe,” the department urged.
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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