Lake County >> A resident recently received a fictitious telephone call from an individual falsely identifying themselves as a representative of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) — a scam officials say has been occurring with more frequency.
The caller told the resident they owed a fine and requested bank account information. The resident felt this was suspicious and did not provide the information, according to Sgt. Corey Paulich.
These telephone scams are occurring nationwide. People should be suspicious of any caller who identifies themselves as a law enforcement official or government employee and then demands a fine be paid immediately over the telephone via credit/debit card or pre-paid cards (i.e. Green Dot cards). These callers are reportedly intimidating and threatening when demanding fines be paid immediately, Paulich stated. Law enforcement officials do not call people and demand that fines be paid immediately over the telephone.
If you receive a telephone call from someone impersonating a law enforcement official and have caller I.D., record the telephone number, ask the caller for their name, badge number, agency they are employed, their call back telephone number and the court or case number they are calling about. Tell them you will call their agency and hang up. Do not provide any credit/debit card or pre-paid debit card information to these callers. Also, do not provide any of your personal identity information.
For additional information, visit www.irs.gov and click on “Tax Scams” under “News Events;” www.stopfraud.gov; www.fraud.org and www.fbi.gov.s
