DeKalb County Sheriff Warns of Phone Number Spoofing Scam

SYCAMORE – The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a phone scam involving someone spoofing the office’s phone number, 815-895-2155, and identifying themselves as “Sgt. Eric Westfall,” badge No. 95-450. The caller reportedly tells victims they missed a federal grand jury date, that a warrant has been issued for their arrest and that they must withdraw money to avoid being arrested. The Sheriff’s Office says the call is a scam and does not have an employee named Eric Westfall. Officials said the office will never ask residents to withdraw money or send payment through Western Union, Apple gift cards, cryptocurrency or other money transfer services. Residents should not provide personal or financial information to unsolicited callers or send money at the direction of someone claiming to be law enforcement. Caller ID can be spoofed, so seeing the Sheriff’s Office phone number does not mean the call is actually from the office. Anyone receiving a suspicious call should hang up and independently contact the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office or local police. Anyone who has lost money in the scam should report it to local law enforcement.