DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - Scams aren't anything new, but the criminals behind the phone are becoming more detailed and believable.
The Macon County Sheriff's Office receives calls from Macon County residents often about suspicious phone calls or texts. These calls range from someone on the other end demanding money because of a phony warrant or paying a fee in order to receive a grand prize.
"We've heard a 'Deputy Green' and 'Sergeant Smith,'" said Sergeant Scott Flannery. "And they will call and say hey you have a warrant you can take care of it over the phone with gift cards."
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While this phone call may be an immediate red flag for some, Sgt. Flannery said these scammers will target vulnerable people.
"The people they are targeting are the ones who are the most scared of law enforcement."
Since April 2024, the sheriff's office has posted 20 different scams on its Facebook page. In one of the scams posted, the caller told the resident that they had missed jury duty and attempted to solicit money for a warrant that had been issued for their arrest.
Sgt. Flannery explained the department posts these scams to help notify the community.
"If there is one phone call, there is going to be two. The ones we are finding are repetitive, but necessarily the same situation."
The Macon County Sheriff's Office said red flags to look for are demands for immediate actions. If someone is demanding a payment right away, that should raise a red flag. Also, gift cards are not a normal form of payment.
"We will never ask for money over the phone, there is no way possible we can even do it."
Residents are reminded to stay cautious. If something doesn't seem right it probably isn't. It's important to do your own research and reach out to local law enforcement if you're unsure.
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