Champaign Police warn community of phone scam

Simmy Wood
·1 min read
1

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The Champaign Police Department is warning residents of a recent impersonation phone scam.

On Tuesday, several community members received calls from someone claiming to be a Champaign Police Sergeant. The caller falsely told these recipients that they had previously unknown warrants that required immediate payment to avoid arrest.

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“Champaign Police will never call to request money, especially in relation to a warrant or court proceeding,” Police Chief Timothy T. Tyler said. “We encourage residents to protect their finances by having a healthy amount of suspicion when they receive unprompted calls or emails, and to verify the caller’s identity before making any payment.”

Police said residents should hang up on calls claiming to be from any law enforcement organization, and then try calling on their published phone number. Scam calls recieved in the city of Champaign can be reported to the Champaign Police Department by phone at 217-351-4545 or online at champaignil.gov/policereport.

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