Published on October 1, 2025 7:11 am
Last Updated on October 1, 2025 8:06 am
The Effingham Police Department is alerting the public about an ongoing scam involving individuals impersonating police officers from our Department. Scammers, identifying themselves as specific Effingham Police Officers, are contacting residents by phone, claiming there is an active warrant for their arrest because they missed jury duty. The callers then instruct victims to pay a fine immediately with gift cards to avoid being taken into custody. There is also a new twist on this old scam: the scammers are offering to meet at a local random location in person so you can pay the “fine.”
The Effingham County Sheriff’s Office has a similar item posted on their Facebook page.
“These calls are designed to scare people into acting quickly without thinking,” said Deputy Chief Tom Webb. “We want the community to know that no legitimate law enforcement officer will ever demand money over the phone or threaten arrest in this way. If you get one of these calls, hang up and report it.”
The department reminds residents:
• Police will never ask for payment over the phone
• Effingham Police Officers never handle money for fines – fines and fees are only
handled through the Effingham County Court System
• If you receive a suspicious call, do not provide or confirm any personal or financial
information – HANG UP immediately
• Caller ID can be “spoofed” to make it appear the call is coming from a real agency
number
“This scam has been reported in communities across the state and across the country, and the best defense is awareness,” Deputy Chief Webb added. “By talking with family, friends, and neighbors, you can help prevent others from becoming victims.”
The Effingham Police Department encourages residents to remain vigilant and reminds the public that legitimate officers will never request payment over the phone. Anyone who receives such a call should contact their local Police Department or Sheriff’s Office to verify and report the incident. Effingham Police Department’s non-emergency number is 217-347-0774.
