The Illinois Sheriff’s Association is advising all Illinois County residents that there is currently a phone campaign fraudulently using the name of the Illinois Sheriff’s Association in their solicitation. The Illinois Sheriff’s Association never solicits by phone but does conduct a direct mail campaign throughout the state of Illinois to endorsed by the individual sheriff’s across Illinois. Telemarketing fraud cost billions of dollars each yea. Phone solicitors want you to act immediately or offer something to good to be true are most likely fraudulent. You have the right to ask the following questions; the name, address and phone number of the organization for which they are soliciting. The name, address and phone number of the telemarketing firm. The percentage of every dollar paid to the telemarketing firm and insist on something in writing prior to making a pledge or commitment. If you are not getting the answers to these questions, do not hesitate to hang up on them. Should you receive a call from someone saying they represent your local sheriff or the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association and are asking for donations contact the Sheriffs Office immediately or gather as much information as you can from the caller and report it to the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association at ISA@ilsheriff.org