Champaign County Sheriff's Office warns residents about deputy impersonation scams

URBANA, Ill. (WAND) - The Champaign County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about scams involving impersonations of deputies.

The sheriff's office said that it never asks for payment by phone, text, email, cryptocurrency, or electronic transfer to avoid arrest, pay fines and more.

Scammers are impersonating officers by using spoofed phone numbers that appear to come from the sheriff's office.

Callers might also threaten arrest if payment isn't made.

"It's going to seem very real. They're using your emotions, and they're trying to get you concerned about you having missed something," said Lieutenant Brad Wakefield.

Anyone who receives a suspicious call is urged to hang up immediately, not provide personal or financial information and not send money.

"We can verify whether or not we're actually intentionally trying to contact you. But again, we will never contact you or request money for payment for anything at all," Wakefield said.

For questions or concerns, contact the Champaign County Sheriff's Office at 217-384-1204 or 217-333-8911 after business hours.