Beware Of Latest Arrest Warrant Phone Scam: Police

Buffalo Grove IL

21 September, 2020

6:27 PM

Description

BUFFALO GROVE, IL — Authorities are warning residents of a new phone scam involving callers stating they are a member of law enforcement and then telling the targeted victim they have an arrest warrant. Both the Buffalo Grove Police Department and Lake County Sheriff's Office addressed the scam Monday in separate press releases. According to police, the scammer then tells person they've called to purchase gift cards, give out personal and sensitive details such as bank information or a social security number, to satisfy the warrant. Buffalo Grove Police remind residents that if an unsolicited caller requests personal information, ang up and call the agency directly. The Lake County Sheriff's Office said it is investigating several deceptive practice/impersonating a peace officer cases, where a person is calling Lake County residents pretending to be a sergeant with the Lake County Sheriff's Office. The offender identifies himself as "Sergeant Bennett" and informs the caller they have an active warrant for their arrest. The scammer provides the victim with the victim's name and address, making the victim feel that the caller is a police officer. The scammer orders the victim to purchase gift cards and provide the gift card numbers/pins to the scammer in order to satisfy the warrant. The scammer has also asked victims for their social security numbers, banking information, and other sensitive information. The Lake County Sheriff's Office does employ a Sergeant Michael Bennett, which leads callers to believe the scammer is legitimate. The Lake County Sheriff's Office reminds the community that the government will never call and order you to pay money in the form of gift cards. If you receive an unsolicited call from anyone requesting money, you should be suspicious. If a person claims to be a government agency, call that government agency first to determine the validity of the call, before discussing anything. If you have been the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement.