Scam in the name of the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association

SPRINGFIELD, IL (KFVS) - Illinois Sheriffs’ Association is warning residents about a phone scam.

Sheriffs’ Association never solicits by phone but does conduct a direct mail campaign throughout the state in Februrary endorsed by the individual Sheriffs across Illinois.

Phone solicitors who want you to “act immediately” or are offering a “too good to be true” opportunity are most likely fakes.

Jackson County Deputy Sheriff Delano Scott says that they have already received several calls from residents saying that they have been hit from fraudulent telemarketers.

Scott says that they compile information reported and then hand it off and share it with other law enforcement agencies including the State Attorney Generals Office. He encourages anyone who has received a call that they think may have been a scam to contact their local law enforcement agency.

The Deputy Sheriff spoke about what to do to avoid telemarketing scams like this.

“If it sounds to good to be true then it probably is if they are asking you to act on this deal right now, then there is a problem. ask to see it in writing and have it sent to you. Sadly we live in a world where you can’t really trust everyone over the phone anymore. A legitimate business person is not going to ask for your personal information,” said Scott.

Remember that if you have any doubts or are highly pressured - hang up.

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