Illinois Voices is aware of scams targeting individuals on the sex offender registry, and we find this deeply concerning. To help protect our members, we want to bring this issue to your attention.
Scammers are highly deceptive and have tricked registrants into losing thousands of dollars. They know how to manipulate emotions to get a quick reaction and are skilled at making their phone calls or letters appear as if they are coming from a local police department. A recent variation of this scam involves something called a “Security Reassessment Hearing,” where scammers claim that compliance could lead to removal from the Illinois registry.
It’s important to remember that law enforcement does not notify individuals of arrest warrants by phone or mail—they show up in person. Police will never demand payment over the phone, through a letter, or ask someone to meet them elsewhere to make a payment. If you receive a call or letter claiming that you have a warrant and must pay to avoid arrest, do not share any personal information—just hang up or ignore it.
Additionally, Illinois law enforcement does not typically call or send letters regarding registry matters. In rare cases where they do they will always identify themselves by rank and name, and any official business will take place at your local state police detachment, never at any other location. If you are ever in doubt, do not proceed—contact your local state police detachment directly for verification.