Authorities warn senior citizens about phone scam

A new phone scam aimed at tricking senior citizens into wiring money may be emerging in the suburbs.

This version has a scammer asking the senior citizens if they know who is on the phone. After the victims say they don't know who's on the line, the scammer tricks them during the conversation into saying a family member's name, and then pretends he or she is that family member. The scammer then pleads that he or she is in trouble and in need of money.

If the scammer is successful, the victims will leave their home and wire money, with one report suggesting an amount of $3,500.

Wheaton Deputy Police Chief Tom Meloni said this type of scam isn't new. However, the majority of scams he's seen reported involve tricking seniors into thinking they've won some sort of sweepstakes. All they need to do to receive their prize is to pay the taxes for the prize up-front.

"If they have any questions about who's calling, they should ask for the person's name and address and then call us," Meloni said.

Using common sense and pausing before exchanging sensitive information always helps, Glen Ellyn Deputy Police Chief Bill Holmer said.

"They need to be careful and make sure who they are talking to before they release any information," he said.

A spokeswoman for the Illinois attorney general said they haven't received any complaints about this particular scam, but again advise seniors to visit its Seniors Sleuths Web site, which offers tips and advice on these types of scams. The site is at www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/seniors/sleuths.html.