The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office has received notification of an attempted scam. We are sharing the information with others in an effort to help protect you as well.
The victim was contacted by someone posing to be “John Foster” from the Illinois Lottery. The call originated out of Jamaica and the caller appeared to have a thick accent. The victim was asked to send the caller money. “These scams are now very common in our area. We need to keep reminding the community to be vigilant against such calls, emails, and letters. Please do not trust strangers with your personal information or money,” stated Undersheriff Andrew Zinke.
The Sheriff’s Office reminds all residents to not provide personal or financial information to those who solicit you by phone. Do not mail or email personal information to those you are not familiar with. The safest way to conduct business is in person and with those that you have worked with in the past or have received a referral from a trusted family member or friend.
Those who have become a victim of a scam or identity theft are encouraged to make a report with the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office or their local police jurisdiction.
Save the Date: The Sheriff’s Office on Monday, March 10, 2014 at 11:30 AM will be at Senior Services in Crystal Lake to educate about current scams and identity theft cases. Learn more during this program on what to watch out for and how to protect yourself and your loved ones.
