The Iroquois County Sheriff's Department has issued another warning about a telephone scam targeting the elderly.

Recent reports to police are that calls are being made to citizens from people claiming to be a relative, usually a grandchild, who has been involved in an accident or been arrested. The caller may identify himself or herself as a police officer or government employee, requesting that the would-be victim wire money via Western Union or Money Gram or purchase Moneypac cards from local stores. The caller also requests that the victim call back once the wire transfer is complete or to provide the information from the back of the Moneypac cards.

Police report other callers have also identified themselves as employee of the IRS and explain to the victim that there was an issue with the victim's tax return. The caller again, requests the victim complete a wire transfer of moneys through Western Union, Money Gram or other means to avoid any further "legal trouble."

Police also report yet a third type of phone scam involves the caller advising the victim that a warrant has been issued for their arrest. The caller requests the victim again send money via Western Union or other means to quash the warrant.

Residents are urged not to send money via Western Union or purchase the Moneypac cards in these instances. Once the money has been sent by the victim, it is highly unlikely that law enforcement will be able to recover it. Residents are urged to contact family members or the police if they have any questions about suspicious callers.

Similar scams have been reported in Champaign, Vermilion, and Mclean counties.

94.1 WGFA