SCAMS

There are two scams that have been occurring in our community and surrounding areas the past couple of days. 

1. Residents have been receiving phone calls from someone claiming to be from the Social Security Administration. Residents are being asked to return the call to 309-305-3462. DO NOT reply to these type of calls. Individuals are attempting to obtain your social security numbers and other important, personal data. 

2. Humanitarian Grants via FaceBook Messenger. Individuals have been receiving messages from people they believe to be their current social media "friends". The victims are being led to believe they are talking to their friend and that the friend has also successfully received one of these grants. Victims are being asked to go to their local CVS to obtain E-Bay gift cards to pay for the fee associated with the grant. Once victims have purchased the cards, they are being told to take pictures of the cards and security codes and text them to the person administering their grant. The victims are then led to believe their grant check will arrive via Fed-Ex delivery. The following day, the victims are being contacted again and are being told the IRS agents have stopped the driver and have seized the check and the driver and the victim needs to pay the $1,000.00 fine in order for the check to be delivered. 

Remember, if it sounds to good to be true, it is. No one from the federal government is going to contact you via Face book Messenger or text message and offer you any grants. 

Contact your local law enforcement agencies if you feel you may be the victim of a scam.