Lincolnshire police warn of phone scam using bogus village workers

Lincolnshire police are warning of a potential phone scam in which callers pose as village employees in an attempt to obtain personal information from residents.

Det. Adam Hyde of the Lincolnshire police said a group of men have been calling homeowners in Lincolnshire and neighboring communities, claiming they are doing a survey about the village's water department.

The men identify themselves as employees of the Lincolnshire Water Department. After becoming friendly with the homeowners, the callers start asking for personal information, Hyde said.

"At some point, the victims are asked about cell phone numbers and other information, leading up to social security numbers and bank information," he said. "The water department in Lincolnshire or the neighboring area is not having a survey, so it makes us immediately suspicious."

He said, of the multiple victims called in the past week, no one has stayed on the line long enough to give social security information.

He said investigators are working with members of the Lake County State's Attorney's office to track down the callers.

Hyde urges people to not release social security or bank information over the phone, and to call police if any of these calls come in.

Also, he is requesting anyone who may have been scammed or spoke with these individuals to contact the Lincolnshire Police Department at (847) 883-9900.