Macon Co. Sheriff warns again of scam phone calls

DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — The Macon County Sheriff’s Office is again warning people that scammers are impersonating them. This time, the scammers are using specific names.

Sheriff’s officials posted to Facebook that “Deputy Jessie Owens” and “Lieutenant Jon Butts” have been calling people to claim they have a warrant out for their arrest and must withdraw a large sum of money to get the warrant “taken care of.”

This is a scam, officials said. No current or retired Sheriff’s deputy will ever contact anyone to demand money to resolve a legal issue or for law enforcement-related functions. Officials also warned that scammers may spoof phone numbers so the call appears to come from the Sheriff’s Office’s real number.

Officials said that anyone who receives a call like this should hang up immediately without providing any personal or financial information. They also asked that people spread the word.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.