Crime & Safety

Police Warn of Kendall County Bench Warrant Scam

A male caller has attempted to trick residents into believing they have a warrant out for their arrest and need to send him money.

Oswego police are warning area residents to be aware of a scammer targeting Kendall County.

According to police, a man identifying himself as "Paul Stevens" from the Kendall County warrants division has been calling residents and claiming they have a warrant out for their arrest.

"He is stating you have a bench warrant and can take care of it by giving him money," police said. "This is a scam. Do not send money."

Oswego police warn residents that if there is really a warrant out for them, an officer with credentials will show up in person to handle it — not over the phone.

"The subject in the scam will leave a voice mail with the information to call him back," police said. "Do not call him back."

Kendall County Sheriff's police also issued a warning Thursday, saying scam artists have been calling area residents attempting to solicit donations by posing as "majors" and "captains" from the sheriff's department.

"The Kendall County Sheriff’s Office does not engage in soliciting donations or monies from people via telephone," Det. Joe Jasnosz said in a press release. "We urge the public to be cautious when speaking with persons requesting donations. Ask the caller the name, address and phone number of the company or charity they are calling on behalf of. Check them out with the Better Business Bureau or other consumer agencies before agreeing to anything "
 
To find out of a charity is registered, call the  Attorney General's Charitable Trusts Bureau at 312-814-2595.

If someone calls you trying to solicit money over the phone, odds are it's a scam, police said. 


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