The Lake County Sheriff’s Office and 19th Judicial Circuit have become aware of a new scam targeting Lake County residents.  

This scam involves con artists calling Lake County residents, introducing themselves as a member of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.  The scammers utilize an actual name of a Sheriff’s Office employee.  The scammer then informs the victim a Lake County Judge (also utilizing the name of an actual Judge) issued an arrest warrant.  The caller is then instructed to purchase a “voucher” in order to avoid arrest.

Neither the Sheriff’s Office nor 19th Judicial Circuit call residents and request money.  Lake County Government will not ask for or accept payment in the form of gift cards or ‘Green Dot’ cards.  

Most of the times the scammers are operating out of other states or countries.  The best course of action is to hang up and if utilizing a cellphone, block the caller’s telephone number from being able to contact you again.  You may also file a report with your local law-enforcement agency.  If you are ever doubtful of a government official contacting you by phone, you may always hang up and call back utilizing the known telephone number for the government office which contacted you.  

Remember, if you did not initiate the telephone conversation:

1. Do Not provide any personal information;

2. Do Not tell when you leave your residence;

3. Document the number calling along with any information about the call;

4. Report the incident to your local law enforcement agency as soon as possible.