Phone Scam Raked In $4.5k; Officials Issue Warning

WHEATON, IL — Phishing is at the top of the list for 2017's top scams, according to the Better Business Bureau. It's followed by "can you hear me" phone scams, then online purchases from fake websites. No community is immune from scams, but recently, the DuPage County Sheriff's Office warned residents about a certain type of phone scam they've been responding to frequently.

Officials recently received information on a telephone scam where someone impersonated a deputy sheriff from their office. The person stole $4,500 from someone who was tricked into thinking they were being called about posting bond. The sheriff's office is reminding people they they'll only accept bond payment in person through cash, money order or credit card.

The office will never solicit bond fees, fine payments or charitable events over the phone, nor will it accept or request Moneypak cards, iTunes cards or any other form of payment other than the ones listed above. The sheriff's office lets people know that when in doubt, hang up and call the office directly.

People are warned not to provide personal information or give money or gift cards to anyone attempting to solicit money or information over the phone. In October, a similar phone scam happened in Aurora, where a couple gave $6,000 to someone claiming to be their grandson's lawyer.

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