Lake County, IL – Residents in Lake County are being targeted by a sophisticated phone scam, where perpetrators are using spoofing techniques to impersonate local law enforcement officials. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating these deceptive practices, highlighting an alarming trend in the region.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, scammers are calling Lake County residents, falsely identifying themselves as deputies or sergeants, and using real names from the Sheriff’s Office roster. These calls are skillfully spoofed to appear as if they are coming directly from the Sheriff’s Office, adding a layer of deceit to the scam. Victims are informed of nonexistent arrest warrants or civil paperwork, with the scammer often possessing accurate personal information about the victim, such as names and addresses.
The scam involves demanding victims to purchase gift cards and share the numbers and pins, or even asking for sensitive information like social security and bank details. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office strongly advises residents against sharing personal information over the phone and reminds them that no legitimate government agency would request payment in the form of gift cards. The public is encouraged to report any such fraudulent calls to their local law enforcement for further investigation.
