CHRISTIAN COUNTY-A central Illinois woman sent a tip through our investigative tipline about a scam where the caller pretends to be a federal agent and then uses fear to try and get your money.

Lucy Kahl got a phone call from someone claiming to be a DEA agent.  The caller left a voicemail saying she was wanted for questioning in an ongoing case.  The so-called agent said he had a search warrant for her house and an arrest warrant for her.  Kahl's a former police officer and knew it was a scam.

She spoke with some friends and realized they'd gotten the same call.  In each case, a criminal calls, saying he's a DEA Agent and that you've been buying drugs online, which is illegal.  The caller then says you've got to pay a fine for it, by wiring money, usually to a foreign location.

Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp says many people in the area have gotten this call and that a DEA Agent, or any law enforcement agent, would never solicit money over the phone.

There is a number you can call to report this extortion scam: 1-877-792-2873.