St. Charles library issues scam attempt warning

Phone scammers have found a new target.

The St. Charles Public Library is warning residents about a new scam in which library patrons are called and asked for personal information.

Edith Craig, the library's executive director, said it's the first time she's heard of this type of scam involving the library.

"We didn't know about it until a patron called us and said they were called by someone claiming to represent the library," Craig said. "We take that pretty seriously so immediately we scheduled something to go on social media assuring our patrons that we would never call and ask to verify any information over the phone.

"In fact, the only information that's communicated to us is partial, like the last four digits of a phone number," she said. "We never ask them to give us their complete information."

Phone scams are common, with people pretending to represent banks, streaming services, cellphone plans and other industries.

St. Charles Police Chief James Keegan said residents need to be wary of all attempts to gain personal information.

"Whether they're electronic scams or email phishing or you're getting telemarketer type calls, you should always be guarded in what you pass out," Keegan said. "Don't put your information out there unnecessarily."

Craig stressed the library collects only basic information from patrons. It doesn't collect information, such as driver's license numbers or social security numbers, because it's not necessary, she added.

It's one of the reasons she finds this scam attempt so unusual.

"People may not know the type of information libraries collect," she said. "I've never heard of this type of scam but people need to be aware."