02/10/2026
The East Alton Police Department has seen a recent surge in scams targeting area citizens. These scams are occurring in several different ways; online phishing schemes, phone calls impersonating federal agencies, AI generated phone calls to sound like a grandchild, and unfortunately many others. The number one rule to remember is if you receive a phone call, email, letter in the mail, etc. and a request/demand for money is made, STOP! Chances are you are being scammed. No federal agency is going to call and demand cash be mailed off, picked up by an agent, or deposited in Bitcoin. If you won a lottery, you are not going to have to pay to receive the winnings or pay the taxes in Apple gift cards. If a loved one is calling for money, meet with your loved one in person and do not send money via any online service. Protect yourself and be vigilant keeping an eye out for possible scams. If you feel something is a scam and would like the police department to assist you, please reach out; 618-259-6212.