Crime & Safety

McHenry County Sheriff Warns of Calling Scam

McHenry County Sheriff's Office warns residents to beware of the scam callers posing as Illinois Lottery officials.

The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office has received notification of an attempted scam and wants to warn the public.  

The victim was contacted by someone posing to be “John Foster” from the Illinois Lottery. The call originated out of Jamaica, and the caller appeared to have a thick accent, according to the Sheriff's Office.

The victim was asked to send the caller money.

“These scams are now very common in our area," Undersheriff Andrew Zinke said. "We need to keep reminding the community to be vigilant against such calls, emails, and letters. Please do not trust strangers with your personal information or money."

The Sheriff’s Office reminds all residents to not provide personal, or financial information to those who solicit you by phone. Do not mail or e-mail personal information to people you do not know.

The safest way to conduct business is in person and with people you have worked with in the past, or have received a referral from a trusted family member or friend, Zinke warns. 

Anyone who has become a victim of a scam or identity theft are encouraged to make a report with the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office or his local police jurisdiction. 

Save the Date: The Sheriff’s Office will be at Senior Services in Crystal Lake at 11:30 a.m. Monday, March 10, to educate people about current scams and identity theft cases. Learn more during this program on what to watch out for and how to protect yourself and your loved ones.




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