(Photo By Flickr User Garrett Coakley)

Illinois State Police are warning residents about a phone scam.

According to cinewsnow.com,  authorities say that a person is calling people, acting like they are an employee of the State Police Department.

The person is advising the victim that they must send money, or be arrested.

Captain Mike Welsh says state police would never ask for money over the phone, or negotiate payment in lieu of arrest.

Anyone targeted should call state police at 309-383-2133 or your local police department.