WHITE CO., Ill. - White County Sheriff Doug Maier has issued information on a phone scam going o in his county.
Maier said that county residents have seen an increase in scams in the past few weeks, with several citizens reporting receiving calls that indicate a family member has been arrested and will need $4,000 for their release.
The caller wants a credit card or prepaid card to use for the "jailed relative" to obtain the money. The caller will not say which law enforcement department has your "loved one" nor the exact location where they're being "held."
"These people are very good and have an answer to everything," Maier said. "They will make you feel that if you do not immediately send the money, your loved one will suffer."
Maier advises anyone who gets a call of this nature to contact the sheriff's office before sending any money.
"Also attempt to contact the person involved," Maier said; "they will most likely have no idea what you are talking about. Do not send any money without further verification.
"Knowledge is the key to not becoming a victim."