Sterling PD warns of jail bond scam

STERLING – Police are warning the public about a new phone scam that may be circulating in the area.

On Tuesday, police received a call from a resident, who reported that an upset woman had called, identified herself as a family member, and said that she had been arrested and needed $2,800 for bail.

The woman said she had only a minute to talk, and a man who introduced himself as “Officer Saunders” from the Dixon Police Department said that the woman’s bond was needed and that he could take a credit card if cash wasn’t available.

The resident called Dixon Police and was told that Officer Saunders did not work for the department and that they had not arrested a woman who needed $2,800 for bail.

Police urge anyone who receives a call asking for bail money to contact the agency where the individual requesting bond is being held. The department will verify whether the bond is legitimate.