Huntley Police Department partners with local retailers to help prevent gift card scams

HUNTLEY – The Huntley Police Department is asking residents to be wary of any businesses or government agencies demanding to be paid with gift cards.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), scammers will try to pressure unknowing victims through various means such as telling the caller they are from the IRS or the Social Security Administration to name a few examples.

Additionally, scammers will often tell their victims to buy gift cards at several stores to not raise suspicion with cashiers and might stay on the phone while money is being loaded onto the card.

“Gift card scams are currently one of the more pervasive forms of fraud in the US. They are also one of the most preventable scams. The scammers are masters at creating a sense of fear and urgency because they don’t want you to take the time to think about if this is a scam,” said the Huntley Police Department on their Facebook page.

To try to combat gift card scams, the Huntley Police Department has been partnering with local retailers that sell gift cards to provide better guidance for the public to get them “to think twice when purchasing a gift card.”

Several community stores have also agreed to display a sign at their gift card display and/or registers with information regarding gift card scams.

“Additionally, we have provided training to managers and cashiers on signs that a customer may be caught up in a scam. We know that if a potential victim is able to talk through what is happening, they often realize they are being scammed and can stop the transaction before losing any money,” said the Huntley Police Department. “Cashiers may be asking you more questions when you purchase gift cards in Huntley. Please remember they are not being nosey or rude—they are just trying to stop these scams in our community.”

The Huntley Police Department says it hopes residents stay vigilant and also take the time to intervene if they suspect other community members of being potential scam victims.

“When in doubt, you can always call a police officer to talk through what is happening to determine if it might be a scam. A legitimate business will give you time to make a decision. Anyone who pressures you to pay or give them your personal information is a scammer. Together we can fight back against scams and fraud,” stated the Huntley Police Department.

Residents who have encountered a potential scammer are encouraged to report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or to the Huntley Police Department by calling 847-515-5311.