Police in Chicago issued a warning about scammers going after senior citizens in a number of ways, including impersonating customer service representatives or even government officials in an attempt to drain victims of their life savings.
The Chicago Police Department sent a community alert warning seniors about the scams Tuesday.
“Imposters impersonating tech or customer support representatives, including law enforcement and government officials,” police said. “The bad actors will claim the victim owes money and imply financial damages.”
From there, victims are then coerced into “liquidating life savings,” police said, and asked to either deposit money into Crypto ATMS, or purchase gift cards or gold bullion. After that, a courier is sent to collect the items from the victim.
According to police, the scam is conducted via both telephone and computer communication. Scammers text pin codes to victim’s devices or request to gain remote access to personal laptops or computers, police said.
Warning signs of the scam include urgency and demand for immediate payment, and victims warned not to divulge information to family, law enforcement or bank tellers. Red flags also include someone requesting unusual payment methods like Crypto or gold coins or bars.
If seniors find themselves in in a suspicious situation, they should power off their computer and never download software at the request of an unknown person.
Do not rush to make financial decisions, or contact telephone numbers or click on links provided in a pop-up, text, or email, police said.
But the biggest warning from police came in the form of four words: “HANG UP THE PHONE!”
Anyone with information or who believes they may have fallen victim to the scam is encouraged to contact the Chicago Police Department Bureau of Detectives Major Crimes Division Financial Crimes Unit at
(312) 746-9661 or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com.
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