EFFINGHAM, Ill. (WCIA) -- The Effingham Police Department is urging residents to hang up and not make a payment if contacted over the phone about a warrant.

The department said the ongoing scam involves people impersonating Effingham Police officers. These scammers are contacting residents by phone and claiming there is an active warrant for their arrest because they missed jury duty.

The callers then instructs victims to pay a fine immediately with gift cards in order to avoid being taken into custody. The police department said this scam is unique, however, because the scammers are offering to meet people at a local random location in person so that the "fine" can be paid.

"These calls are designed to scare people into acting quickly without thinking," Deputy Chief Tom Webb said. "We

See Full Page