Police: be watchful of new scams
HUNTLEY — Huntley and Algonquin police departments have notified the public about ongoing activities of scammers.
“People make up lots of stories about why you need to send them money,” the Huntley Police Department states. “They might say you’ve won a prize, your family member is in an emergency or that they love you. In all these examples, they now need you to send them money. But how do you know what is a scam and what is legit – especially when you think it’s someone you know and care about asking.”
“Scammers want your money, in a hurry, and they don’t want you to be able to get it back,” the HPD release continued. “But a clue to spotting and stopping these scammers is knowing how they ask, or tell, you to pay. Listen for anyone who insists you pay one of these ways. If they do, chances are they’re a scammer.”
Gift cards – gift cards are for gifts, not payments. They’re popular with scammers because once you give the PIN to someone, it’s like you just handed over cash. Gift cards also give you fewer protections, compared to other payment options.
Money transfer – when you wire money through a company like Western Union or MoneyGram, it’s easy for a scammer to take your money and disappear. Wiring money is also like sending cash – once the scammer has it, you probably can’t get it back.
Cryptocurrency – real companies or government agencies will never demand that you pay with cryptocurrency. They will never say to buy crypto to sort out a problem or protect your money. No utility company will demand payment in crypto. Who does any of that, scammers,” the release concludes.
Algonquin Police: SSN scam surfaces
The Algonquin Police Department is also advising of a new scam.
“Callers are telling the potential victim that their Social Security Number and bank accounts are compromised and they could be accused of money laundering,” Algonquin Police state on Facebook. “The potential victims are then advised that they need to clear their name and get a new Social Security Number and bank accounts. The individuals make referenced to the DEA and provide fake names and badge numbers. Individuals further advise that the potential victims to not tell the bank what they are doing. To further the scam, they are identifying themselves as officers with the local jurisdictions within they reside. Please be mindful of these scams and know that no one from the Algonquin Police Department or any police department will be calling you advising you to do this.”
