05/27/2026
🚨 SCAM ALERT 🚨
The Peoria Police Department is aware of at least two incidents involving an individual impersonating a Peoria Police officer in an attempt to scam local businesses out of money.
In these incidents, the caller identified himself as “Lt. John Lockly” and falsely claimed that businesses were being audited due to counterfeit bills. The caller instructed employees to remove cash from registers, count the money while remaining on the phone, and then travel to various locations to transfer funds through CashApp and prepaid cards.
In one case, when an employee began questioning the caller, he threatened to send officers to detain her.
Let us be absolutely clear: The Peoria Police Department will NEVER call you and direct you to withdraw, transfer, deposit, or send money in any form.
This includes: CashApp Gift cards Prepaid debit cards Cryptocurrency Cash deposits at kiosks or stores
The caller may appear convincing and may claim to know personal details about employees or their surroundings. In some cases, it is possible the suspect may be nearby observing the business.
If you receive a call like this: • Hang up immediately • Do not provide money or personal information • Call 911 if you believe the suspect may be nearby or actively watching your location • Report the incident to Peoria Police through our non-emergency line if there is no immediate threat
Please share this warning with local businesses, friends, family, and employees. Awareness is one of the best tools we have against fraud.