The Cook County Sheriff's Office has issued a warning to the public about a phone scam where callers threaten arrest unless individuals deposit thousands of dollars at a Cook County Jail kiosk.
Reports have been received indicating that the caller claims recipients failed to respond to a Grand Jury subpoena allegedly issued by the Chief Judge of the federal court. The caller instructs individuals to go to 2700 South California Avenue in Chicago, the main entrance to Cook County Jail, and deposit $9,500 into a kiosk, threatening arrest for non-compliance.
To lend credibility, the scammer may possess personal information about those they contact.
The Sheriff's Office emphasizes that these calls are fraudulent. "The Sheriff’s Office does not handle payments for the federal court system," it stated. Additionally, no government agency requires payments at Cook County Jail or any individual. It was clarified that the Chief Judge of the federal court has not issued such subpoenas.
Residents receiving such calls should request the caller's full name, badge number, and phone number but should not follow their instructions. Instead, they are advised to contact the department purportedly represented by the caller to verify any legitimate reason for communication.
Individuals with information about this scam or who believe they may be victims are urged to contact Cook County Sheriff's Police at 708-865-4896 or 847-635-1188.