Illinois State Police District 18 Trooper Heath Bryan is warning the public of a phone scam that is currently circulating throughout the state. Several have reported that they have received telephone calls from an individual discussing the State Police Pension Fund, and requesting they send money immediately.

The phone number associated with the calls has been fabricated to appear as a legitimate State Police telephone number with a 217 area code, in practice known as "Caller ID Spoofing." Trooper Bryan wants to inform the public that these calls are not coming from the State Police. Citizens should be wary of calls soliciting money regardless of the phone number the call is made from, particularly if threats are made by the caller or they become pushy.

The State Police will never call to solicit money on behalf of the department or ask for money to be sent for any reason. Those who believe they might be a victim of a phone scam should call 800-243-0618 and report it to the Office of the Illinois Attorney General.

For information on different types of phone scams and indicators of phone scams, visit illinoisattorneygeneral.gov.