NW Illinois News

The Illinois State Police issued a warning to residents regarding a recent phone scam that involves individuals impersonating ISP investigators. The scammers attempt to deceive individuals by claiming to be affiliated with the ISP, prompting the authorities to caution the public about this fraudulent activity.

According to the ISP, individuals should be cautious if they receive a call from someone purporting to be an ISP investigator. In such instances, individuals are advised to request specific information from the caller before taking any action. As stated by the ISP, "ISP special agents will not make cold calls requesting personal or financial information, or ask you to confirm personal or financial information."

Furthermore, the ISP highlighted the necessary steps individuals should take if they suspect they have fallen victim to this scam. They recommended reaching out to the three major credit bureaus to initiate a free security freeze on credit reports to mitigate potential damages. The ISP emphasized the importance of taking swift action in case of any disclosed personal or financial information, stating, "In case personal or financial information has been disclosed to a scam caller or if there are suspicions of identity theft, ISP recommends contacting the three major credit bureaus to place a free security freeze on credit reports to prevent further harm."

Additionally, the Illinois State Police directed residents to the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, which has established a specialized hotline for reporting incidents related to identity theft and scams. Individuals who have encountered such situations are encouraged to contact the Identity Theft Hotline at 1-866-999-5630 for further assistance and guidance.

The ISP's alert serves as a crucial reminder for residents to remain vigilant and exercise caution when dealing with unsolicited calls or requests for personal information. By staying informed and taking proactive measures as advised by authorities, individuals can protect themselves from falling victim to fraudulent schemes.