Scammers prey on McLean County residents

Posted on June 26, 2018
Phone scammers are attempting to weasel money out of unsuspecting victims in McLean County. (WJBC file photo)

By Patrick Baron

BLOOMINGTON – The McLean County Sheriff’s Department is warning residents to be wary of phone scams that are popping up around the community.

Scammers are reportedly identifying themselves as police officers and telling potential victims they have warrants out for them for missing Jury Duty. The scammers are asking people for pre-paid gift cards from Kroger or Casey’s General Stores.

Another phone scam going around is a person calling and pretending to be with the Internal Revenue Service. Scammers are asking people for money, telling the victims there has been a fraud on their tax returns. The scammers have also reportedly threatened residents by saying they have a warrant for their arrest.

Sergeant Jody May said the Sheriff’s Office will not contact any person by phone in reference to active warrants. Residents are advised to hang up the phone if they receive a call like those.

The numbers reported in the scams are (309) 603-2238, (217) 622-7222, and (607) 542-4683.

Information on the scams can also be found on the McLean County Sheriff’s Department Facebook page.

Patrick Baron can be reached at [email protected].

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